How do you "reset" a tank?

[richardhmc]

My tank has been sadly neglected by me for a while now and now it is overrun by massive bubble algae, black/dark brown gunk, all the nasty stuff.

Currently there are no livestock in there, all of that has been moved to another tank. So now in there is just sand and live rock. I would like to start fresh and turn it into an all SPS tank.

Is it possible to go back to when everything nice and clean?

 

[Justcause0_1]

Reduce lighting,remove phosphates and do massive water changes......it takes a couple of weeks but it worked for me in the past

 

[richardhmc]

would no lighting be even better?

 

[ReAVeR]

Reducing the lighting will kill everything photosynthetic, so yes to will help rid your algae problem. You're going to need to do large water changes to compensate for the die off. I'm not sure of your aquatic situation but I would probably start with some easier corals before turning a disaster into a masterpiece. Just my .02$. Hope everything goes accordingly