I know that PO4 has been proven not to be the sole cause of algae outbreaks. But this comes up a lot on some forums, especially those that dont deal with 'heavily planted' tanks. So I am asking this on behalf of other folks more or less. On a low tech tank, lets say a 55g with a couple swords, java ferns, and some hornwart, with no special attention given to ferts or anything for the plants, and the tank had problems with algae, would a phosphate removing pad be beneficial assuming the phosphates are at least somewhat high? Asked another way, does the 'phosphates dont cause algae' belief only for high-tech tanks?
For example this was quoted from loaches.com, as a response to someone inquiring about high phosphate levels and their removal:
For example this was quoted from loaches.com, as a response to someone inquiring about high phosphate levels and their removal:
Many brands of fish foods (particularly catfish pellets or similar) can contain surprisingly high levels of phosphate, which can build up over time and contribute to excessively high levels in the aquarium, in turn leading to algae problems. The tap water where I live has an extremely high level of phosphates in to start with, which as well as being very hard, are reasons why we use soley RO water in our home aquariums. Because of our clowns love for a particular brand of sinking catfish pellets which are high in phosphates, we use Rowaphos in the filters at all times, combined with frequent partial water changes with RO.