[OCDP]

Mostly everyone on here will tell you, go as big as you can afford. Think of it this way, instead of feeling insecure about buying a bigger tank, feel more insecure of buying a smaller tank, for the first point dang listed. Bigger is better... take it from me, I thought setting up a 20g would be less work, less money, etc.. It's been a little over a year and a half and I can now say that I made a huge mistake going with 20g.

You will end up buying lights that you will eventually (most likely) upgrade .. a skimmer, pumps, powerheads ,etc.. it's best to buy the BEST you can afford now, save the hassle of spending now on what "will do" because in the end when you do upgrade, you're spending a heck of a lot more when it all adds up.

Research , research, research.. find out where you think you want your tank to go.. coral dominated? if so, what kind of corals, this will determine lighting, skimming, etc.. You will thank yourself down the road from all of your research.

Ask plenty of questions here on canreef, there is plenty of knowledagble reef keepers on this forum.

Scott