spiral_72 wrote:
Algae growth has since increased and my phosphate levels
are still off the scale of my test kit.

How much of your tank is planted? The more plants, the faster the
phosphate reduction. I let a fast growing Water Sprite take over 1/3 of
my tank. Even though, it took weeks before the levels reduced to 0.50
ppm. Hang in there! And check your tap water for phosphate. My level is
2.5 ppm.

Nikki