Algae/diatoms?

[JohnnyFish]

Hi all,

in most aquariums I've had over the last few years, I get this horrible black/brown algae. it does rub off sometimes but it drives me insane. is there any way to remove it? what is it?

in the next few weeks I'm going to get some shrimp after my new plants arrive, maybe they will help?

 

[Colin_T]

got a picture of it underwater?

if it's on plastic plants, soak them in bleach for 5 minutes before washing them well under tap water.