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Is it possible that if algae is left for too long that it could be permanent?

†Aquapickle†

I dont think so, you can always drain the tank. Though if you leave it too long it makes layers and hardens and becomes a real pain to get off.

"A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man" Simpsons

Err.. permanent in what sense, as in a stable self reproducing colony that just sits there or some algae that just etches into the glass?

Algae is generally only permanent if your tank conditions suit it, and you dont scrape it off and have nothing that eats it. Dead algae will stain perspex etc, but thats just a stain its not the algae..
Algae has been known to outcompete plants and dominate a tank , but thats generally when the conditions are wrong for plants anyway, and if you never clean the tank up.

Scale algae in particular lasts a long time and can be hell to shift, it will be permanent given a choice, the point is not to let it grow if you dont want it. You have to clean off algae youve killed, or the dead algae just stays in situ till it rots..I find a nice razorblade edged algae scraper shifts it off anything except bogwood, for which you use scalding hot water and a wire brush.Ive certainly had algae tough enough to be immovable when you use a regular magnetic glass cleaner. I do have algae in the tanks, its kind of unavoidable in the big communities I keep, with lots of food going in, and lots of textured decor, but between the ottos , plecs, siamese flying foxes and amano shrimp, theres not generally much left for me to scrape off.

Its not normally considered a sin to have some algae, its perfectly normal to have some growing somewhere, in fact some fish depend on it, the fanatical fishkeepers dont like to have any, but you dont have to be quite that fastidious. As long as its not misting the glass up every few days- which would indicate water quality issues, or clogging up the tankspace or filter equipment, why worry?

I quite like a bit of algae on rocks and bogwood, it keeps things looking natural.Its especially nice when you get a bit of mature algae and it sometimes gets a really meadowy look to it when you stare at it close up, with little budding heads to the tips and stuff. Not everyones tank is supposed to look like a plastic palace. Mother nature has taste!

Does that answer the question?

Ok just curious. I have algae that is almost impossible to get off.

†Aquapickle†