| Re: Rinsing Phos-X before first use?
I tried that once but found out that what you are actually doing is exchanging phosphate for salt. Thats why you can recharge the pillow with a salt solution. You can read up on salt but take my word for it when I say that I have extensively and according to some real experts who are not only hobbyist but chemists also, salt has no place in a Fresh water tank except for maybe a hospital tank.
Water changes or plants are the best way to remove phosphates. But with plants you are now into a new realm with Co2 injection and substrate issues and lighting issues and well, lets just say that if you are currently struggling with phosphates you probably aren't yet ready or willing to get into that yet, as I am not. So, keeping phosphates out of your tank to begin with is best.
There are not allot of water conditioners that are really worth using in my opinion and many contain phosphates. Dechlorination conditioners are a must when adding water, but after that there are few water additives needed for your fish to thrive. Feeding them well, with a variety of nutritious foods is essential for this, but overfeeding can result in high phosphates also.
Oh, and remember that phosphates do not harm your fish but can cause algae blooms. By changing water often you keep the water parameters consistent in your tank and that IMHO is the key to preventing anything from getting out of wack in your tanks and keeping fish happy and healthy. FISH GET SICK WHEN THEY GET STRESSED OUT! Some are less susceptible than others but preventative measure are the best policy for any fish.
I'm sure one of our extremely knowledgeable moderators will set me straight if any of my advise here is questionable but wait for one of their responses to do anything.
Gods best to you and your fishies, Kenny | 
