I agree with reef.
e.g. my son bought a boat and new motor and has spent heaps getting it just how he wants it, he is 28 and has seen the light and is going to sell it now to buy a house in July next year he has a fresh water tank that cost him nothing to run.
There was a young reefer on this site last year that loved his little tank that he sold in the end to buy his first home.
Now if you are anything like my son you won't take any notice of me, but my advice is keep it small just keep soft corals when you buy ask if it needs metal halides if so don't buy, keep your fish stock as low as possible borrow Jetskis hang on skimmer since it was offered and save save save for your house
There are so many hidden costs in reefing
Test kits for Magnesium, Calcium,Alkalinity,Phosphate,Nitrate, and in the beginning Nitrite and Ammonia. You will need the first five and Salifert Test Kits are the prefered.
Chemicals to correct the above tests
This is normal for a new tank it takes time!!