They recommend new tanks to buy the more expensive one (red) coz have trace elements to help seed bacteria faster. I think it's prob more mkting than anything, I personally just bought the normal one to save $$. Besides, if you are dosing bacteria, shouldn't have any problems.
Bro onizuka, don't think any biological filtration will bring down your phosphate levels, prob have to run either rowaphos or sorb 4. You can test your tap water for nitrates to see if it is indeed contributing to your high nitrates. I highly doubt so, my tap water tested only 5ppm, so 30-50% WC should bring it down somewhat. but if you are in a rush to bring down nitrates, can either buy AZ-NO3 (more $$) or dose vodka. I have no experience in dosing vodka, but can easily find information online.