I'm sorry you disagree so strongly zerocool, but there are people who dose phosphates... Just the other day I was clarifying with toshi on why he dosed phosphates...
Having phosphates in your tank is generally accepted to lead up to a algae bloom. However it is not always the case. Never generalize. Phosphorus IS a macro nutrient and is considered necessary for plant growth. However most aquarist advise dosing phosphates because we can get that from the fish food. However in the cases of light fish loads, and heavy planting, you may very well have to dose phosphates to ensure healthy plant growth.
So lets clarify something...
1. I NEVER said to dose phosphates
2. I SAID that care should be taken when dosing phosphates
3. You are wrong to say dosing phosphate will definitely cause an algae bloom
4. Phosphate dosing under certain circumstances is necessary.
5. Many aquarist regularly add phosphates in the form of jobes sticks and horti tabs. Given, the reason they add this is not for the phosphates. However, they ARE adding phosphates, and I don't see people screaming of algae blooms.
As for dosing iron before the lights come on, well it may help prevent the level of iron oxidation, but I seriously wonder about the level of Fe2 absorbtion when photosynthesis is not in full swing.
All in all zerocool, you have taken a general rule of thumb (albeit a good one) and made it a law.... doing a planted tank is part science part art... don't be too rigid.
Finally, now that I've cooled down a bit... please also be aware of your tone. Your previous message was very condescending... and to be honest I took great offense at it. However, I take it in a spirit of learning and accept that I don't know everything. I hope that you take my reply in a similar spirit and learn as well.
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