[freeflow246]

It's biofilm. It's made from algae, bacteria, etc. All tanks get it to some extent. If you can't put the java fern in with your fish, which would be preferable imo, the cups sounds like the best way.

 

[freeflow246]

If you had an algea-eater of some sort they might munch on it. Otherwise, I dunno. It's not harmful though.

 

[freeflow246]

I think scrubbing by hand or getting an algae-eater are the only ways.

 

[freeflow246]

Yea, I think almost all snails are algae-eaters. Some eat other things in addition, but the vast majority of marine snails eat algae. They should help.