I have had a tank for two years so my memory is fresh and my wounds have not all healed. The bigger the tank the better as the water chemistry is more stable (75g or higher and get a reef-ready tank) Trickle fitration, uv sterilization, protein skimmer, metal hylight lights and a number of circulation pumps are essential. All this is expensive but it will save you time and frustration (as well as money) in the long run. Once you get the tank cycled with rock and damsels(3 months or so), I would remove the damsels and slowly add reef-safe fish finishing with a couple of (different not the same breed) Red Sea tangs (Purple, Sohal and/or Sailfin) They are stunningly beautiful,reef safe, active, feed on algae and durable (the Red Sea is not very clean). They are aggressive so they should be added near the end. Once the fish are stable, you can add soft coral and other more delicate animals
Good Luck