Nhilchrest,
Your question is related to the information in your other post re: RO water.
IMHO, the filter is insufficient to manage the bioload in your system. Even then, the media must be cleaned or changed at least every couple of days or organic matter trapped by the filter is returned to the water as Nitrates. If it is your plan to eventually develop the tank as a reef, you are going to have to invest in at least 50 more pounds of good live rock. I would also recommend immediately getting a good
Protein Skimmer to help export the nutrients from your system.
Your source water is highly important. Reverse Osmosis, coupled with a Deionization filter will give you the best quality. At the very least, get a Tap Water Purifier, though, over a year or two, the cost of the replacement filters would equal the cost of a decent RO/DI unit.
If you don't have it already, I highly recommend buying and reading
Robert Fenner's
The Conscientous Marine Aquarist. It is available online for around $25. This book will orient you in the right direction with the comprehensive info you need to be successful.
You mentioned 4 fish in your tank; what kind and size are they?
From the info in your other post, it would seem that your algae problems stem not only from your source tap water, but also inadequate biofiltration to process the organic matter in your tank from fish waste and leftover food. Using a power filter also contributes excess Nitrates as the organic detritus builds up in the filter media.
Phophate sponges and such are only temporary fixes. For long term success, the source must be eliminated. RO water will help a great deal along with changing from power filters to LR/LS/Protein skimming.
Please read the important info on these sites:
http://www.reefcorner.com/reef%20keeping_101.htm
http://faq.thekrib.com/sbegin.html
http://saltyzoo.com:8081/http://salt...rner/index.htm
and for more info on LR/LS:
http://sps.reefkeepers.org/LiveRockFAQ.htm
http://www.reefkeepers.org/faq/cache/33.html
Bear in mind as you read these articles and info that there are many varying opinions on how best to setup and maintain a reef tank. Only by reading as much as you can and continuing to ask questions can you make your own informed choices.
I have been where you are. I started my 55 with a power filter and 30 pounds of live rock, with a 2" Dolomite substrate. The only good stuff I had was the rock!
I did use a Magnum 350 Pro filter with biowheels, which is a pretty good filtration systm for a fish-only tank of this size but not for development of a reef tank.
Fortunately, I found Brooke, Doug, Alice, and a few others 3 years ago and reoriented my system completely. The Dolomite was switched to a sandbed; more rock was added; a skimmer went on; and the Magnum went to a closet!
Hope this helps,
Dick
"A BRW Original"
