Welcome. Personally I think a biocube (the 25-35 gallon ones) are a good starting point. I started in a 14, but the 29 was easier.I like the biocubes for beginners since everything is contained, and they are easy to upgrade. Sure you can do more with a sump and more space, but that comes at an increased price and increased complication. Once you have enough experience to understand the limitations of a biocube, then move up to something bigger.If you can start with a "large" tank, I feel that the following stock dimension tanks are easiest to decorate, and also have enough room under them. Note that this list excludes cube tanks, which are usually nicer, but more costly:1) 40 Breeder (not a standard 40).2) 75 gallon. Similar lighting requirements and equipment costs to a 55, but 50% more depth which is VERY useful when decorating, and 50% more space under the stand.3) A 4' 120 gallon. Not a 6' 125 gallon.4) A 6' 180 or 210. You're talking a lot more cost at this point though. It's very easy to sink $10k into a 210 (or even a 120 really) if you're buying new equipment, and you can kill things just as easily as in a 30 gallon biocube.I'm another vote for captive bred/propagated both fish and coral. If someone else can propagate it in their tank the odds are it's a hardier coral. With wild caught stuff you're taking a risk every time.