phosphate removal?

[shoura]

Hi everyone! Hello from England!:wave:
This is a great website!!!:rollface:
I need help with a question please....
My tank has been set up for 8 days--the live rock went in 8 days ago with a frozen prawn which has just about disappeared now. My test readings have never shown any detectable ammonia and I still have a trace of nitrites (0.01ppm). Nitrates are between 1 and 5 ppm. Phosphates are at 0.03ppm.
I am getting a certain amount of hairy algae growing on some of the rocks, also some algae that look like tiny bright green feather dusters.
My question is: should I be running a Phosphate remover at this stage? My LFS said it would be wasted at this point but others have said you should run it from the beginning.....

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

 

[meco65]

I would take out the prawn it sounds like it has done its job. I would say yes on the phosphate remover, more phosphates in your tank cause’s more algae. Just my 2¢.

 

[edwar050]

I suppose for the cost of a reactor, pump, and media at 60$'s why not. The more you can do to combat phosphates the better. Are you running a skimmer or a refugium? Sounds like Hair Algae may be starting to creep up on you. I have beaten it twice after 6 months both times and as many will say on here it is much better if you prevent it before hand.