Overfeeding
 

had a horrible experience with hair algae just recently

+ 1 on overfeeding I know I was I also reduced my lights To 5 hrs from 10 on the mh and went from 12 to 7 on my pcs.....

i also found that without an auto top off my skimmer was way underperforming due to the fluctuating water level. as soon as I added the auto top off it leveled out and pulled way more I'm sure this was the icing on the cake.

Not an expert by any means.........Just 2 cents

Sea hares are an alright idea but they die after there's no algie left and there usally dead by the time they get to the lfs I do run carbon in my system what would be the best way to trim down the phosphates.

+1 to Ryanj's recommendations.
Try testing for phosphates in the morning while the room is still dark. I understand this is the best time as the algae should be more at rest.
And if you have a few bucks, or know someone with one, get your hands on a Silicate test kit.
I bought one for $14 to rule it out.
If the your phosphates are really hi, maybe cut down on your food some.
This is an example of a good way to deal with phos
http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s..._ID=tf-reactor
I've been told the best media to use in it is HC (hi capacity) GFO (granulated ferric oxide).
2 places I know to get it from are CACO3REEF and Bulkreefsupply.
Not the crappy pellets, but this stuff
http://caco3reef.com/gfo/gfo

+1 to overfeeding! I bet if your read the label to your food, It contains Phosphates! Expecailly New life spectrum!