Plane Fanatic, I was looking at starting with a 75g RR,I was going to start with the easiest fish to take care with live rock, I've been to a few fish stores checking everything out, your right it's not a cheap start up if your gonna do it right.I'm fro Daytona Beach.
I started in FW and then 12 years ago i made the switch to SW. I have been here on RC from December of last year. I will never own another FW, not to bash Fresh, just love the colors of the life you can put in SW. When i started, I had a predatory tank, groupers triggers lions and a maroon clown that was the sheriff in the tank, I am now a Reef addict. a 75 is good to start with. If you can find a pre-drilled tank jump on it!!!!! Also if you can find the biggest sump you can fit under your tank the better. that will only allow for expansion as well as more water volume. I am currently building a 225 acrylic with a 75 gallon refugium/sump. i would have gone bigger although all of the equipment i have put a stop to that; as well as the limited space under the tank. I need a fish room lol. Start with your basics then go from there. Dont go balls to the wall and get equipment that would only confuse/ be a hassle to have. Start with Tank, Stand, Return pump, Skimmer. Of course your live/dry rock then sand; and no need for super powerful lights for starting, unless you want to start with corals (highly suggest not to).
My local fish shop asked me when i started do you want a Reef tank or a fish only, i said reef, the owner looked at me and was like NO! lol you will start with fish only. He to this day gets my business and will always get my business. I do buy online but mostly i like to support local shops. There is an emense world of knowledge here on Reef Central as well as local shops. When buying online you need to know what you are getting and research the hell out of what you are getting/brand. I cannot tell you the amount of times i have face palmed due to my own stupidity of not researching enough.
Take this new world SLOW! lol Freshwater seems much more forgiving, unless you have played around with Discus (never could keep them alive). If you have a question dont hesitate to ask, Pm me or jump on Tampa Bay Reef Club here on RC, in the sub links. That is where i usually am lurking, and again there is much knowledge here on the forum.
This is a very rewarding hobby, And when i have parties at my house/people over they always stare at the tank. I have alot of anxiety sometimes and i watch my tank for like 30min-1hr a day to destress.