I started my tank 8 weeks ago. I had a HUGE mentor...Claythesavagefraser and this forum. Look up dj_giantti , he is a great guy, lots of knowledge and super cheap-not makin-a-buck deals. Jason in Salem who owns coral reef in Salem and Eric or Travis at Liquid Sunshine in Eugene are all great to deal with There are some Local Fish Stores aka LFS in PDX that get used stuff in all the time and a few phone calls should get you started. I have a 49g corner and had nothing but the tank. In less than 3 days I aquired a Eheim canister Pro 2, 2 Korlias #2's, a heater, a light fixture ( 250w double actinic with moon lighting---awsome!) live sand ( which I got from DJ and just returned 20 lbs that I didn't use, so get ahold of him) lots of large live rock peices and let it cycle for 4 weeks. I added a couple hearty Damsels to watch swim around and get the process accelerated. DO NOT RUSH INTO REEFING you will want to research everything first, no impulse buying. Find out what you like and then see if it compatible with everything on your list. You will be surprised how much info you can get on this site...WELCOME!!