My Suggestion is to go to your local store, and look for a 55g tank. Plenty of starting room and easy to build on, with the stability of a good amount of water, should some of your parameters get off during the starting process. Words of advice: I don't know your budget so this comes strictly from personal experience. Start with a glass tank, acrylic scratches easier and is a lot more expensive. Personally I would save the acrylic for later down the line when your budget is expanded and you know for sure you are going to stick with aquariums. I will never do it. Secondly, a F.O.W.L.R. tank (Fish only with Live Rock) such as you are wanting, is a great way to start. Your lighting can be more simple and thus cheaper, for the time being Fluorescent Lighting will be fine, the tank you buy should come with a standard Ballast for such lighting and will more than likely hold two 20in or two 24in ballast for lighting. I recommend something like a Coralife 50/50 bulb which will give you the blue spectrum and natural daylight you are looking for with such a tank (I use one for my reef tank). H.O.T. (hang on tank) filters and heaters, are a much more budget oriented way to go than submersible heaters or canister filters. Finally, your furniture, likewise with the ballast, a stand and canopy can be purchased where most tanks are sold, however they are expensive, most of the time they come in a black or oak finish unless special ordered. Note: L.E.D. strips make for a great nightime effect and are reasonably cheap for around $13 or $14 per 15in strip.
Hope it all helps, good luck and welcome to the hobby! =D --Morgan
