GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) in Freshwater tank filters?

[Muad'Dib]

Good Afternoon,
I have question for everyone.
I picked up a Media reactor yesterday, and was going to use it my sump with Activated carbon and some nylon pot scrubbers for biological filtration, BUT... I was also given half a jug of GFO. I know it's popular in salt water tanks to keep the Phosphorus down and help prevent algae growth. My question is can I use it in Freshwater for the same reason, and will it hurt plants if I wanted to add those to the tank?

Cheers
Dean

[charlie]

Keep in mind plants need some phosphate in their nutrient diet.
How much will be dictated by the growth rate / uptake.

[HayleYoyo]

I could be mistaken, but I am under the impression that a planted tank could get rid of phosphate fairly fast.

It's one of the three major Nutrients it needs

[Muad'Dib]

Thanks guys.  I think I'll hold off on using GFO until I get all the plants I want in it. If I have an algae problem, then I'll consider it.