What's ideal phosphate level?

[Myka]

Run a phosphate absorbing material. Since your phosphate is fairly high I would suggest you use a phosphate media that isn't very good (Aluminum oxide), like the SeaChem PhosGuard. Buy the smallest container. It will lower the phosphate slower to prevent shocking your tank, and save your wallet on the good stuff. Change it out once a week, and when it's all gone buy some of the good stuff. Most of the phosphate medias that are brownish red are good; they are ferric oxide. They do not need to be changed nearly as often. Say 1-2 months, although you will use it up quicker in the beginning. Use your test kit to track our progress.