Maybe test the waters with a coralife 29g nano. Let me know how it goes because I've been kicking around the idea but can't bring myself to pull the trigger.
I'd go with a regular 29 gallon. Also, you might want to join a forum that focuses on saltwater (reefcentral, etc.) As for expenses, the fish are definitely more expensive than freshwater fish, and coral is definitely more expensive than plants, unless you buy frags(and even then...) . The tank is higher maintenance than a normal non-planted fish tank. Here's a few questions, why do you want a saltwater tank? What fish/corals have intrigued you into getting a bit salty?
I disagree with the claim that saltwater necessarily has to be expensive and that bigger is better. Yes, setting up even a 30 gallon tank is very expensive, but if you learned your lessons from planted tanks (With rule #1 being "Leave it alone"), a small reef tank can be a very successful and rewarding project.
I have had a 4 gallon pico reef for close to a year (I actually started with a 3g but recently "upgraded" to use the 3g as an office tank). The tank has been stable the entire time with no major disasters at any point. I have lost two snails and two corals during the entire time. There is a certain air of arrogance with which reef keepers treat freshwater tanks, but I've found that that's mostly unfounded. Both freshwater and saltwater tanks can be very simple or very, very complex. It really depends on your goals and skill level.
What's definitely more expensive in saltwater are the inhabitants. I've probably spent about $1,000 on the pico, and about half of that on corals. But you can get a nice tank much cheaper. The office tank I am about to start will have a shallow sand bed, a few pieces of live rock that will be covered with green star polyp, and 2-3 porcelain anemone crabs to live in the GSP. The setup will probably less than $150, though of course I already own some of the equipment.
If you want to go the nano/pico route, the JBJ Picotope is a great little starter set. You can grow a lot of soft corals right out of the box. There are other kits that work very well too. You don't need skimmers, sumps, fancy filters, or anything if you stock lightly. You can't use tap water for making saltwater, so you will need a source for RO or distilled water. The cool thing about these small tanks is that you can just get water from these Glacier machines at grocery stores. 5 gallons cost less than two bucks in my area. I change about 80% of my water every week. Costs almost nothing and keeps the tank healthy.
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