GaryP also had a good point in one of my threads. Just because you kit does not detect it does not mean phosphates are to blame.
I may be misquoted here or maybe its just a typo.
What I said was that just because your test kits shows 0 ppm phosphate, it doesn't mean that you don't have phosphates. Not all phosphates are detected by a test kit. If you are having a hair algae problem, its proof positive that you have a phosphate problem. It won't grow without phosphates. On the other hand, your corals and other do need some phosphate so you don't necessarily want 0 phosphates, not that that is even possible. As long as you are feeding your tank and fish are excreting waste you are going to have phosphates.
Gary
Gary
125 SPS, 75 gal. LPS/softie reef, 9 gal. Nano