Sounds like a bit of excessive nutrients to me also. Regardless of how the small skimmer is skimming, its still small, IMO, so more water changes as suggested would help.

Your tank is still young and the problems you mention are common with them.

A fighting conch may help with the sandbed cyno, although it always seems like some type of cyno is part of sandbeds.

Thanks Doug!
Appreciate all the help I can get.

Hi ,

I symphatize .... have a look

http://nucalf.physics.fsu.edu/pfohl/Fish/Reefs/algae

Brian