Be sure you do go with a drilled tank. Don't be lured by a cheaper alternative like an overflow sump. They are more prone to losing its siphon which will result to an immediate water change and a lot of mopping.

I would recommend the sump with fuge over those trickle filter setups, JMO though. Once you have these two things figured out, and plumbed, you need to turn your attention to lighting. In my opinion there are really only two choices, either T5 (my favorite) or Metal Halide. Even if you decide to go fish only I would plan on being able to convert later to reef lighting. It's hard to limit your tank to only fish when you see all the zoas and bright corals out there.

Oh yeah and the skimmer advice mentioned above is golden! If you purchase new get the best you can find, ask around. There are more skimmers with more varieties between MFRs than there are cars on the highway.

I'm a newby myself and have went through some growing pains as well... doubtless you will as well. Stay the course and go into it knowing that you will be spending a lot of money. I tell my friends that I've only spent a couple bills on my setup... wife always rolls her eyes and calls BS on that. I've spent a good deal more (and I mean a GOOD DEAL MORE) than I had expected to earlier.

Recommendation to the BOD, establish a support group for those addicted to reefing Signs of addiction would be loss of weight and hoarding dollars for that next frag....