Another easy way to remove hair algae is with a bamboo skewer. Rest the tip on the rock close to the hairs (or between polyps as may be the case) and begin twisting in one direction. The barbs on the skewer will grab the hairs and once a few catch, they will pull the rest into a ball of algae attached to the skewer and easy to remove. Remember the hairs are weakest when your lights first come on in the morning, so it is easier to remove then. (this is true even if you are removing by hand or w/tweezers) Light makes it grow stronger.