phosphate questions…help and imput

[neoh]

I had a growing problem with algae attributed to high phosphates from old rock. I consistently blasted the rock with a turkey baster before performing a once a week 50% water change. I also shifted my flow around a little bit to help detritus get to the overflow easier and more efficiently, and started vacuuming the sump during water changes.

Using solutions from my understanding is just putting a band aid over an existing wound. Sure, it might stop the bleeding, but you need to start with heeling the wound first. Pilot mentioned he used it to lower, then GFO to maintain, which of course makes sense.

I used Rowaphos until switching to a high capacity GFO from BRS. When I ran out, I switched back to Rowaphos, which I noticed an almost immediate change in PO4 and algae outbreaks. But I also lost a couple fish, which I attributed to using too much, which then stripped nutrients from the tank causing their very unfortunate demise.

Proper flow for detritus removal and overall health of your corals, with gravel and sump vacuuming with each water change and blasting your rock with a baster to remove the hard to reach areas will help control and bring them down over time. I can't give you a good answer regarding an additive to remove them, as if their was a miracle cure out there - I'm pretty sure we would all know of it by now. Removing the source is always the best solution to any given problem. For the most part, anyways!