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GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) in Freshwater tank filters?

Started by Muad'Dib, January 08, 2021, 02:31:23 PM

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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
50 Gal Main aquarium w/ 40gal sump for filtration - Currently housing 19 cichlids.
4 - Labidochromis caeruleus - Electric Yellow Labs
5  - Cynotilapia Afra White Top "Hara Reef"
4 - Aulonocara sp. "OB " - Orange Blotch Peacock Cichlid
3 - Protomelas taeniolatus (Likoma Is.) Tangerine Tiger Cichlid
3 - Otopharynx Lithobates (Zimbawe Rock) - Aristo Yellow Blaze Cichlid
12 Gal grow tank - 40 + OB Peacock, Electric Yellow Labs, Hara Reef Afras Fry + maybe a Yellow Blaze Litho Fry or 2

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.

50 Gal Main aquarium w/ 40gal sump for filtration - Currently housing 19 cichlids.
4 - Labidochromis caeruleus - Electric Yellow Labs
5  - Cynotilapia Afra White Top "Hara Reef"
4 - Aulonocara sp. "OB " - Orange Blotch Peacock Cichlid
3 - Protomelas taeniolatus (Likoma Is.) Tangerine Tiger Cichlid
3 - Otopharynx Lithobates (Zimbawe Rock) - Aristo Yellow Blaze Cichlid
12 Gal grow tank - 40 + OB Peacock, Electric Yellow Labs, Hara Reef Afras Fry + maybe a Yellow Blaze Litho Fry or 2