Improvable tank

[hectoriptera]

Hello, another beginner in the hobby over here.
2 or 3 months ago I started a new project with a tank of 120 L. Recently (1week or so) I started to add first alive stock after checking all the parameters were okay. A clownfish, a shrimp and a couple of conchs were added so far and they seem doing great. I have to add more cleaning crew for the sand bed, as it’s still pretty covered in sand even with the work of the conchs pair.
However, what I am most worried about is the external aesthetic of the tank as the light the seller recommended to me doesn’t allow to take the cable out of view and doesn’t match really good to the tank. Also the skimmer and the cables of the heater and other equipement as the pumps are very visible. Very improvable. What do you suggest to make this tank look smooth and pretty ?
Also, I know the jumping guard is terrible. I thought about ordering a custom lid, but the skimmer would still be visible as the one you see there is supposed to be the smallest and most adequate for a tank of this size. I’ve even thought about removing it and do bigger water changes, but I’m not really sure about that being a good idea. Also, ordering a custom lid or not as its design will depend on the ideas and advices you may help me with, as the number of holes/openings it would have (among other characteristics) will depend on them. So, what’s your take on what light I should move to and what would you do to drive this tank smooth and pretty ?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

From the pictures you shared you really can’t see the wires on your tank. You can always use those velcro cable ties if you want to organize your wires better!

 

[Tahoe61]

Welcome to R2R.

Move the heater into the back compartments. You don't have to have a skimmer, it's not a deal breaker. Just keep the bioload smaller and do routine water changes.
You obviously need a robust CUC to deal with algae growth.
Perhaps add more rock.
What's your budget for lighting?

 

[hectoriptera]

Welcome to R2R.

Move the heater into the back compartments. You don't have to have a skimmer, it's not a deal breaker. Just keep the bioload smaller and do routine water changes.
You obviously need a robust CUC to deal with algae growth.
Perhaps add more rock.
What's your budget for lighting?

Hello, thanks for welcoming :)

As for the heater placing, It use to be in the back sump, but in the zone the flow is not strong enough and the water use to be a little bit cold, so I moved to display zona to guarantee an optimal temperature. It’s ugly but how can I do if don’t want temperature to go lower and animals dying ?

When it comes to skimmer, I’m seriously thinking about removing it but, as said I’m a little bit afraid of it as I don’t want to add more rock to the tank. In fact, I would like to make it look even more minimal (less rock even), with one of those rock structures that are “branch/tube shaped” (I’ll attach a pic of that). When you said keeping the bioload smaller what do you mean/how can I do that?

Finally, about the light, well, I don’t know how much may cost a really good one that perfectly fits my tank. The one I adquired was 300€ approx. so, just give your best recommendation forgetting about the budget for now . We’ll let that for later in case those were too expensive haha.

Here I attach a pic from the social media of the kind of rock I want to add

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hello, thanks for welcoming :)

As for the heater placing, It use to be in the back sump, but in the zone the flow is not strong enough and the water use to be a little bit cold, so I moved to display zona to guarantee an optimal temperature. It’s ugly but how can I do if don’t want temperature to go lower and animals dying ?

When it comes to skimmer, I’m seriously thinking about removing it but, as said I’m a little bit afraid of it as I don’t want to add more rock to the tank. In fact, I would like to make it look even more minimal (less rock even), with one of those rock structures that are “branch/tube shaped” (I’ll attach a pic of that). When you said keeping the bioload smaller what do you mean/how can I do that?

Finally, about the light, well, I don’t know how much may cost a really good one that perfectly fits my tank. The one I adquired was 300€ approx. so, just give your best recommendation forgetting about the budget for now . We’ll let that for later in case those were too expensive haha.

Here I attach a pic from the social media of the kind of rock I want to add

Looks like Caribsea Life Rock (not to be confused with live rock)

https://caribsea.com/marine-substrates/#marine-rocks

 

[Tahoe61]

Then you want to look for something like Tonga branching rock.
If the heater is not keeping the entire display within normal temperatures you need a better heater, more watts.
Bioload, referring to how you stock your tank and the tanks ability to process the bi-products of metabolism. Smaller tanks, smaller fish types. Avoid over feedings until the biological filter can process the nutrients introduced to the tank. Excess nutrients lead to higher nitrate and phosphate levels which lead to a decline in water quality and the development of unwanted algae.

 

[NE reefer]

Hello.
Another avenue for your rock structure would be to remove the current rocks, break them up into smaller chunks and build a branched scape with superglue and sand. This can be done relatively quickly and pleased back into your tank. Only mentioning this because it doesn’t look like you have added any corals yet.
As of a clean up crew I’d recommend an urchin, hermits and snails. Good luck and have fun. Personally I’d try and figure out a way to use the skimmer. They are super efficient at removing waste from the water and provide well oxygenated water. Take care and enjoy tinkering.

 

[hectoriptera]

Thank you all for the rock products ideas, some of them look really like what I need. But what about the light ? What light ideas you think can work for my tank ? Maybe would it be possible to even only change the lamp holder and replace it for another more aesthetic and smaller one which can hide the cable ? Anyway, any ideas on a different light would be welcome.

 

[Rocks reef]

What light does it have over it currently? Also, what are your water parameters? 120 liters is approximately 30 gallons. You could do a single kessil 360 or radion xr-15 or Ai prime 16.

 

[hectoriptera]

What light does it have over it currently? Also, what are your water parameters? 120 liters is approximately 30 gallons. You could do a single kessil 360 or radion xr-15 or Ai prime 16.

Thank you very much. They all look like a very good point to start from :)