gharner - thanks for the compliment
. as for your questions:
1. the tank is approx 1 1/2 yrs old.
2. it's a nano24 but i swear i only filled it up with 20 gallons without rock and sand when i first started. i wasn't happy about that.
3. the lights are stock as is the pump.
4. the rockwork does touch the back of the tank.
5. about the detrious, i don't do anything about it. lol (5 gallon water change every month to month and half)