Its a tough choice.... you can start with VHO or T-5 (preference) between those two or go full on and cover all bases. If you go the first route, you'll be spending a nice hunk of change up front no matter what. 300-400 for a decent start, though you can find deals in the sale forum used. If you go with the full setup up front, the lighting can run anywhere from 400 well over a grand.
Consider the first decision.. are going to go with a fixture under the canopy or built the lights into the canopy. Building it in will allow you some room to grow by adding more bulbs or different types, but takes some basic wiring and basic handiness with tools.
What I normally recommend for an in canopy is start with a 4 bulb T-5 setup and add-on later if you go to SPS etc.
You can start with a pre-wired full kit for about $450, assuming your tank is 4ft long..... this should allow you to keep just about everything other than the most light intensive SPS. This will include clams, low to moderate light SPS, LPS and softies.
http://tinyurl.com/5v3hvc
You can easily add to that setup later by adding a set of 2 or even 4 more bulbs just by unscrewing it and rearranging it under the canopy.
