I found out through experience, the bigger the tank is, the easier it is to take care of! My 2 gal is a pain compared to my 180.....go with the 36 IMO....when you get into it, you'll wish you had gone bigger...the thing about marine tanks...you get the bug to upgrade. Good luck. I had African Cichlids for about 17 years in 55 gal tanks - went salt...never looked back!