Tonga Branch Filtration Effectiveness?

[sethdunne]

So, here's my story......I just started a 12G nanocube because I can't seem to stay away from this hobby! I purchased the nano LR package from liveaquaria.com. IME they have been pretty good. When the rock arrived, it was in great condition but included a lot of Tonga. I got maybe 6lbs of the stuff in a 16lb package. Don't get me wrong, I think it looks great, but not for a nano. They were pretty big branches. I ended up only putting in a couple of the branches and discarding the rest (no LFS's, or other hobbiests to give it too). I broke up some of it and put in the chambers too.

I guess what I'm getting at is the question of the Tonga's ablity to work as LR should. It's very dense and doesn't seem as if it could serve a purpose other than looks! Any nanoer's out there using Tonga in their setups?

Let me know if you can't see this pic. First time PB user!
This one is of all the branch I left out.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/sethdunne/000_0408.jpg

This is of it all thrown in the tank. This could not work!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/sethdunne/000_0405.jpg


This is what it looks like now, minus the extra branch!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y221/sethdunne/Tankpic.jpg

[vijaym85]

I feel the same way, the Tonga branch is not porous so its not going to have the same surface area as a very porous rock will. This means less denitrification due to less potential spaces to have bacteria colonize as compared to a more porous rock of the same weight. It is mostly only good for being used as a base as it will keep water flowing under the rock strcutures you build upon.

Your pieces look nice if that makes you feel better LOL.

[sethdunne]

Thanks, wish I still had a bigger tank, I would definately use these pieces. I'm gonna have to get some more rock soon to make up for loss in filtration! Hopefully I can move things around a bit before cycling is done.