Whats the ideal way to start without breaking the bank?

Of those two, the 55 would be much better. The 30 is too tall. Tall tanks are pretty much a handicap and are usless and wasted space for reefs IMHO. Just my two cents.

 

I would do as much DIY as possible. I built my fuge for 1/5 the cost of buying a new one.

If I had to do it over I would have went with a bigger tank, 300 gallons or so (I already want to upgrade my 90) but the bigger the tank the more you need of everything.

I have seen a lot of tanks on craigslist for little money. I wish I would have went the used route. I definately will with the next one.

 

also i would add dont get a complete package like a ____cube you just dont get the flexibility, of a tank you put together yourself.

no offense to cube owners, the cubes are decent lightly stocked soft coral tanks, but i wouldnt recommend you get something that pretty much fixes you to a certain type livestock with out the expierence to know that you wont want to branch out to other types of livestock later on

 

Would a short tank include 24 inch deep?

 

24 inch is still pretty tall. you can get by with it, but then you have to buy MUCH more expensive lighting. if you were considering a 55, wait and look a bit longer for a 75, same size just wider. It also gives you more room underneath for a sump.