We have redesigned our nano tank. We found that corals and polyps didn't grow too well and there was a lot of dusty algae all over everything that wouldn't shift whatever we did - water changes etc. Phosphate wasn't very high either. We had a small internal filter and a small internal skimmer.
We have also found a lovely piece of living rock that we have put in the middle of the tank (with the other rock we had, mounted around the tall central rock.

We have also bought a decent small hang-on protein skimmer and now have an external fluval filter. In a matter of days the tank looks so much healthier and I think we now have a better current in the tank to encourage things to grow. No sign of the horrible algae and the polyps are starting to rejuvenate.
Got a bit more work to do and then I will post some pics of it.

All trial an error stuff as usual, with this hobby.

well good luck with your next one

the dusty algae you said about was probably just a flow thing, ie more was needed which as you have found the new filter provides

if its dusty then yeah water movement will help it go away although if it was just dead algea which goes dusty (if you manage to kill it) then its a right bugger to git rid of

things are really picking up in the nano so think you are both right, the added water flow and better skimmer/filter has made a difference already. Doesn't pay to cut corners even with a nano eh?

glad your tanks doing better! you're right, it doesnt pay to cut corners, but i don't use a skimmer on my nano. it's been running for about 6 months now and haven't had any problems with water quality or unwanted algae, got a beautiful tank (even if i say so myself ) i do have a small filter for mechanical filtration and two pumps for circulation. i think its the water flow that is more important than the skimming.

yes, your flow is the key to your success. That is where we went wrong but as we saw a good little skimmer and a small fluval we are usuing them anyway. So far so good

the proper turnover rate from power heads if your keeping soft corals are 10x and 20 for hards.

the dusty algea needs just enough not to settle so usually if your keeping corals its never an issues.

soare you keeping corals? if so make sure you have the turn over rate for them.

I have 3500L/H(Sump return)
and
2500L/H from my powerhead

and 1500L/H from my filter

plus a smallish 280L/H sweeping powerhead

Yet I still have algae - also have a protein skimmer and caleurpa and chaetomorpha in the sump.

Apparently its the silicates in the tap water - going to start using my RO unit soon :)

silicates are big problems for marine tanks and the stringy algea will grow with storng current