Hey Green Pheonix, if you are going to be using Live Aquaria as a guide for fish, they do list the minimum tank sizes for each fish. However, these are in general overly low, so I would increase that by at least 50%, if not double it. i.e. if they say the fish can be in a 50 gallon tank, it should really be in a 75 or 100. Their goal is to sell fish, so tend to under estimate the size of tank for each fish to make them more broadly marketable. Also, with a 35" tank like yours, you will not be able to keep any tangs unless you get a very small specimen and plan to increase your tank to a 6ft tank in the future (like in a year or two).
As for lighting, the progression in the hobby tends to be toward a full-blown reef tank eventually (for those that start with tanks more focused on fish initially) so getting lighting from the start that can keep corals would probably save you money in the long run. Lots of LED options that might fit your budget - you'll probably need two lights to cover your tank, but you could get away with two of the smaller LED lights, such as two Kessil 360w, two Radion xr15, two Hydra 26's, two AI Primes. The good thing about these lights is that they are essentially modular, so when you upgrade your tank size (as most do), they can still work on your new tank, you would just add additional units.
Some basic things to start - read, read, then read some more. Research any of the start up guides that are out there - read at least 5 of them. Veg out on a couple YouTube channels with Beginner saltwater guides, then research some more. Ask questions here. This will take some time, but I can't tell you how worth it it will be, and importantly, how much money it will save you. Getting an RO/DI unit for water is pretty essential for long-term success of the tank, so that might be one of your first investments. Second would be a good protein skimmer rated for double your tank size (manufacturers volume ratings are similarly understated in general). These will set you up for success and give you a little wiggle room in terms of water quality as you learn.
When you do start buying livestock, consider tank-bred fish. Also, there are few corals now a days that can not be acquired in aquacultured form - so they are not taken from the wild. Not only does this reduce pressure on reefs, but aquacultured specimens are pre-selected for tank life, are hardier, usually have better coloration, and again, will save you money in the long run even though their purchase price is a tad higher than wild-caught. Use a coral dip before introducing any coral in the tank.
That's my 2 cents - Welcome, and good luck!
