xenia under attack?

[simsimbalabim]

Hey everyone! I just lucked out and bought the contents of an ex-reefkeeper's tank, and I must admit: I really don't know too much about marine tanks (been keeping fresh for years, though), but it was a 55 gallon LOADED with life and I already had a 29 cycling for about four months, ready for some reef goodies. Anyway, I squeezed as much live rock and coral in there as I could. Looks real good.
But now the problem: I have a xenia next to an anemone. Today the anenome stretched waaay over and started to sting(?) the xenia. At least, that's what I think it's doing. The xenia retracted and is not looking to good. I've since moved them apart and I'm hoping for the best. So my question is: Is this going to cause damage to the xenia? Will the anenome attack anything within reach? Will feeding the anenome more keep it at bay? Any advice?

 

[bdhough]

Hmmm.... Where to begin with you
Xenia is a soft coral. Yes anemones will sting any other coral that is near them. Fish as well for that matter but rarely will an anemone kill a fish. Fish know to avoid anemones so i wouldn't worry about it. As far as corals go. You need to let the anemone find a spot in the tank that he likes. He will eventually root down. You will have to move your corals around him until that event happens. He will probalby kill anything his tentacles touch in that thak from what i can see. The good and bad news about the xenia is yes he is damaged by the sting BUT xenia is a weed coral and will most likely recover and survive. It may take some time though.... Feeding the anemone will not keep him at bay. It will just make him grow. Yes you do need to feed the anemone in some manner. The sebae i can see in your picture may take food to the anemone for you. Try and spot feed the anemone meaty foods, basically anything frozen from the lfs except black/blood worms.
As far as keeping a coral tank get some books and start reading. Do some looking around the board. There are loads and loads of info out there. Above all else start learning about doseing and water chemistry. Doing water changes twice a week right now can do this for you until you learn. As far as how much try 10-20%.... Be very careful to match your salinity when you do the changes. That is the most critical factor when doing this. Also bear in mind the temperature of the water. Too much of a difference will shock everythying in both categories.
Like i said read read read. After a year and working at two LFS, reading 5 or 6 reference books on corals and fish i still learn intricacies today.....