Lowering phosphates

[jagermeister]

My phosphates are extreme in my 55 gal. tank. We're talking between 3 and 5 mg/l!! I added poly filter to a canister filter about a week ago. I've been measuring phosphates every other day but they don't seem to be going down.
With this poly filter, how fast does it remover contaminates from the water? Will I see a reduction in 10 days? 1 month?
Also, what else can I do to take out the phosphates?

 

[plum70rt]

Do a search on phosphates will get many answers for fixes

 

[angelspot]

Be careful because poly filter will remove all other additives also including anything you add by doing a water change.

 

[barracuda]

I would suggest you to add either Seachem's Phosguard or Kent Marine's Phosphate sponge. They will do the job within couple of days. You can even reuse it in the future by drying it in the oven.

 

[nm reef]

I would suggest using Kents Phosphate sponge to remove/lower existing levels...plus I'd suggest you determine the source of the phosphates and prevent future problems.