[Objective] The biological characteristics of different attached algae were determined and the relation between water quality indicators and algae biological characteristics were analyzed in order to provide scientific support for screening scientifically reasonable attached substrates and enriching the growth of attached algae. [Methods] The biological characteristics of algae attached to three different building material substrates (granite, polyethylene mesh, wood) were analyzed using simulation experiments. The types of attached substrates having good effects and easy resource utilization were selected. [Results] The periphytic algae communities attached to granite and wood substrates were more stable, and had better biological characteristics and more functional algae species, and thereby were more conducive to providing an ecological effect of periphytic algae in the water environment. [Conclusion] The granite substrate was considered to be the most suitable substrate among the three tested substrates because of its ready availability and ease of use.