sorry missed these posts..
)
would probably be easier to posts the last 2 questions as a seperate thread but in essence you both could run marine setups with teh tank sizes you have given.
Important factors for marines are as follows...
Filtration.. usually loads of liverock, expensive but well worth it. 1kg per 2 gallons or 1lb per gallon is a basic rule of thumb. If you can increase this further then this is preferred.
Circulation.. rule of thumb is 10x the tank volume turnover per hour as a minimum. Depending on hte types of corals you want to keep (assuming its a reef setup) i would aim for 20x turnover if possible.
with these 2 factors taken care of you will find the rest falls into place fairly easily.
skimmer? useful but you can get away without one if you run a Mineral mud system. lighting.. again important if you wish to keep corals. I would advise the purchase of halides at the very start if you can possibly afford it. The reason for this is because i have seen so many times in the past, people who purchase weaker lights with the statement that they dont want ot keep any demanding corals. Unfortunately they dont realise how adictive this hobby is and they soon warm to the challenge of more demanding corals. this means a new outlay on more expensive lights.
Lastly and probably most important...
Research and patience. nothing can compansate for researching the hobby in as great deail as possible. Never rush your project and take each step of this hobby little by little. Slowly, slowly does it and this hobby will reward you.
