Canister filter and high nutrients

[Unstoppable algae!]

I have a friend at work with close to 40 breeder dimensions (custom about 50 gl) he has soft corals GSP, waving hand zoas and a small hammer. His nitrates and phosphates are super high, .5 p04 35 N03 and rising. Does 10 gallon WC monthly, recently started adding phosband. I think the filter pads are replaced every few months

Do you guys think food is getting stuck and rotting in the canister filter?

Would it be worth while taking out the pad/ floss material and adding something similar to bio media maybe carbon bag and gfo? And monitoring nutrients?

Thanks all

 

[KrisReef]

Depends on where the bio-filter is currently living? If there is low or zero rock in the tank then completely cleaning the canister might completely wipe out the biofiltration ( if that is where it all is?)

Having pads in a tank that rarely or never get rinse are supposedly the classic nitrate factory. The safest way to reduce No3 is large, more frequent water changes. Removing floss and replacing with biomedia is exchanging one nitrate factory for another?

Lowering the amount of food given is also a great place to consider modifying tank management. Just a few ideas, GL!