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Ok all, you got a novice here, how does live rock help filtration? I know it will feed some fish , but filtration? Please make the answers and idiots guide to live rock. 8)
Good question.
The short version
Live rock contains nitrifying bacteria which breaks down wastes from their harmful ammonia form into nitrite and eventually into much less harmful nitrate. It also provides a good enviroment for this denitrification process to occur.
Here is a bit about the chemical process http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showquestion.php?faq=2&fldAuto=16
and another good article http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/dw/