Wierd Phosphate control media

I purchased some new media to help get rid of my phosphates, and HOPEFULLY get rid of my algae problem. I am switching over to DI water instead of tap, hopefully it will help (?). anyway, when I put it in my filter, it started giving off this white smoke into the air, and then white smokey stuff into the water. I dont know if I should just ignore this or keep it out. I dont know the exact type of media it is but I do know that they are little white beads in a little media package and it said on the packaging that it doesn't leach (spelling) back into the water. IS THIS NORMAL???? WILL SWITCHING TO DI WATER HELP MY ALGAE PROBLEM???

 

I would cut whatever is causing the "white smokey stuff". You don't know what affects it could have on the tank, and yes, DI water will help your algae problem.

 

yes this is common for certain types of media, it will usually say on the bottle this media will heat up at first and should be rinsed in ro/di water before using.
do you know the name of it?

 

Well, it's going to be Phosguard by Seachem or Phosphate Sponge by Kent Marine.

Make sure to remember to remove it after 2 or 3 days otherwise the Phosphates will de-adsorb. This is one of the main reasons that most have moved to GFO's Vs using the Aluminum Oxide P removers.

 

Well im not so sure about using it. Even after rinsing it thouroughly, it still produces that wierd smokey stuff into the water. It amost looks like putting a tiny drop of milk into the water if that helps.

 

also, it isn't either of the brands mentioned above...

 

Is it white?