seeking guidance for my first saltwater setup

[starnix]

I'm planning to start my first saltwater tank and I'm hoping to get some advice from experienced folks. Since we'll be moving to a house in about a year, I want to learn the basics before setting up a larger tank. For now, I'm limited to a 30-40 gallon tank due to apartment floor restrictions. I've got my heart set on puffers, and I'd love to have one in my future larger tank. If there's a smaller species or one that grows slowly, I'd appreciate any recommendations. Otherwise, I'm open to suggestions on beginner-friendly fish. I'm thinking of keeping the smaller tank set up when we move, in case not all the fish can coexist with the bigger ones. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[zenoxa]

I've had good experiences with Canthigaster species - they tend to stay on the smaller side and generally keep to themselves, although I've heard of the odd problematic individual. I've found they can coexist with larger inverts, and while you might come across stories of puffers making a meal of smaller ones, I think these claims are often exaggerated or based on circumstantial evidence. In my own reef tank, I've got a puffer that's been living alongside a benthic feeding triggerfish, and so far, he's shown zero interest in the smallest invertebrates. The key, in my opinion, is to keep your fish well-fed - it's no surprise that hunger is usually the trigger for a fish to start snacking on ornamentals.