Newbie 30/40 gallon

[tracey868]

Happy Summer all. My husband and I have had a feshwater tank for over 12 years. We finally decided to convert over to salt. Since I am the teacher in the family I have been good doing my research.
Our freshwater tank is 30 gallons but hubby wants to get a new tank and start fresh. We only have a length of 36' so the biggest we could get is a 40 high. Not sure with all the lighting if a tall tank is OK? We live in a condo so not many options.
I have talked to the people in the stores, but I feel like my head spins and they just want to sell me what is in their stores. I am interested in a fish only tank with maybe some easy coral sometime down the road.
I am looking for your opinions on best lighting, filter system, protein skimmer.. etc.. the whole package. My husband was looking into the sump system since living in a condo hard to hide things behind wall and want most under tank in cabinet. I am not looking for the cheap way out .. just what would be our best options and good companies for each.
We do understand this is an investment but want the right information. I also know we need a chiller as it gets warm in here summer time.
Thank you all for your help. I know I am asking a loaded question.
Thank you in advance.
The newbie Tracey

 

[meowzer]

Welcome to SWF...You will find A LOT of info here.
IDK if I would get a tall tank, you really don't get more swimming room..unless you get fish that like to swim up and down...LOL....
Also they are harder to light....If you get a regular height tank you cand get T5HO lights and keep close to anything in the tank, so if you decide to add better corals you are not limited.
Sumps/refuges are excellent...a good filtration system to look into.....some come with overflows and protein skimmers too....
look up sealife systems pro series if you are interested in something like that

 

[florida joe]

I on the other hand like high tanks in that the ability to Aquascape vertically makes for a nice looking tank especially in smaller tanks. You can also get corals that respond better to different lighting. I would look into the Red sea max 130 it’s a 34 g tank and stand combo that is self-contained and for the most part an all Inclusive system

 

[tracey868]

After looking around glass tanks do not come reef ready at 30/40 gallons. That causes problems as I do not have the room behind the tank. Like I said I only have a 36' wall across to fit a tank and live in a condo.
I little nervous about acyrlic tanks after reading about all the scratching however, I can get them reef ready.
SO my new question is glass tank? and another type of filter system that doesnt need something so bulky on the back like a sump? Or get an acyrilic tank?
PS- I am really looking at a mainly fish tank, a little live rock and maybe 1-2 corals.
Thanks
T