Aquascape Critique and Algae

[ps2cho]

Hi all,

This tank has been running since October 2017 and its been a little neglected over the years with dosing reservoirs running out etc...
I want a 120g, but its going to be a few years until I'll be moving to a bigger house and have the space. So in the interim --

Running stable now at 8.5 Alk, 450 Ca, 3-5 NO3. Its a 50-gal cube.

1) What changes can you recommend so I can improve the looks?
---- Stubborn algae fixes from what you can see?
---- I know I need to remove all the dead shells and get a clean up crew, its been over a year and most are dead now. Any particulars I should focus on with the algae I have?

2) Any change in aquascape? I'm happy with the left rock, but the right rock I'm not sure on...I feel like I need to remove the plating SPS and increase the height. Not really sure so what opinions?

3) Any other suggestions?

PS: Just ordered a Gen 5 XR30 so that should eliminate some of the shadowing.

 

[HuduVudu]

You need to carefully start a regimen of gravel vacc'ing with your water changes. Keep your clean up crew small. You don't seem to have a large nutrient load on the tank. This tank will clean up nicely.

 

[ps2cho]

You need to carefully start a regimen of gravel vacc'ing with your water changes. Keep your clean up crew small. You don't seem to have a large nutrient load on the tank. This tank will clean up nicely.

What's the most effective gravel vacc for reefs out? I don't own one and haven't ever used one...I just occasionally stir it up with the glass scraper stick, but that's about it.

I've always historically bought CUC's from reefcleaners, but always feel like it doesn't make a huge dent. Which package is everybody typically going for?

 

[Kellie in CA]

I think that once you get the algae issue under control, it will actually be very nice looking.

I just use a cheap gravel vac. I can't seem to get the trick of not pulling some sand out along with all the gunk, but it's an easy enough task.