What type of filtration uses live rock and sand beds to naturally process waste in a marine aquarium?

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Live rock is porous limestone colonized by beneficial bacteria that convert toxic (Review) ammonia into less harmful nitrate. This natural biological filtration is the backbone of most modern saltwater (Deals) aquarium setups, often supplemented by protein skimmers. Many reef keepers prefer this method because it closely mimics the ocean's own filtration processes.

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