Can anyone identify this?

I have always had an interest in saltwater tanks and plan on moving up from my current freshwater tanks to salt very soon. Anyways while at the beach in Ocean City Maryland I found these 2 pieces of Im hoping coral but someone might be able to tell if it isnt. They washed up on shore and hit my legs and i picked them up put them into a bag of ocean water and brought them home. Is it coral? if so what kind? and how do i keep it alive?
Thanks
Nick

 

Tubastrea skeleton, not alive it is just the skeleton of the dead coral. here is the alive version:

 

When i setup a salt tank could it be used in the new tank? Is this something normal to wash up on midatlantic shores? is it native to this area?
Thanks for the really fast response.
Nick

 

To 3Reef!!!​

Good move on plan to move to SW.

Not always a good idea use beach washup in tank as it may contain impurities that are not good for your fish and new corals. Live corals are much prettier then dead ones. Expect you will be starting out with some Live Rock which get you off to a good start and will make your tank look real good.

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00

​

​

 

Crappyballer...Are they yours? Do you hand feed all of them? If yes, how long does that take you?

 

ok, here's my take on it.. yeah, its nothing but a dead skeleton of a coral... and yes, it may have impurities, as scott (omard) mentioned.. but could he not cure it, bleach it, or otherwise do whatever to clean it? i honestly think it would look good in an aquarium, once its covered with coralline... also, nick,you might be able to drill out those holes and fill the holes with coral plugs (when the time comes)... i think that would be about as much of a natural rock formation as you could get! granted, you'd have to seed it with liverock, which will take a good amount of time...

but anyway, welcome to the community! and good luck with your tank whenever you decide to convert!