Live Rock (is there a difference in quality??)

[wolcoski]

How can you tell good live rock from bad live rock... is there any difference in what you buy? I need more but don't know if I should shop around... still learning.
It says to have 1-2lbs per gallon of water, but most of the reef tanks in these photos look like they have a lot more than that...

[ToddTT]

Higher quality rock will often have more life.

A good link to read while waiting for more replies:

What is Live Rock, Anyway?

And if someone is selling you "cured" rock, make sure it doesn't stink. The curing process is a smelly one.

Make sure to QT rock if you already have fish in your display tank. No telling what kinds of critters will be coming with any live rock you may purchase.

[wolcoski]

Thank you for the tips and link - it is exactly what I wanted to know. I have now purchased some more live rock and the difference is amazing. The new rock has holes and lots of interesting anatomy - the previous rock I have is pretty boring, basically just solid lumps of live rock. I have pictures I will post to show how different. I have to smell it tomorrow to see, the store couldn't tell me if it was indeed cured as it was new. So far my live sand and rock is in - still scared to add any fish or soft corals.