Starting a saltwater tank

[Reef Pilot]

My recommendation (won't be the most popular opinion, I'm sure) would be go with the 29g, and skimmerless to start. Just a canister filter and lots of live rock. Do 10g water changes every 2 weeks. And a good internal flow pump (like a 1400 gph Koralia).

Again, take your time with the cycle and adding livestock. There will be lots of time after you get started to decide which livestock to choose, and when.

Save your money for the sump and skimmer (big bucks) for later when you are ready to go with the big tank (125g). The 29g can then become your QT or frag tank. In the meantime you will learn a lot, and am sure will get much enjoyment with your new SW adventure.

And small tank mistakes are much easier (and cheaper) to correct than if you have a big tank.