Nuvo 24 tank need all the advice you can offer for corals, scaping, CUC and fish

[rbtmccord]

I am waffling big time on making this a Saltwater reef tank vs what I know a Freshwater planted aquarium.
So I need aquascaping ideas for making a small reef nano tank for corals and fish.
Also what corals, mushrooms, etc. to put on the reef. Like all I would like a vibrant colorful reef where I can sow frags etc and get good growth to fill the reef in. Also the best livestock for such a tank. I really like gobies, blennys, angels, clowns, damsels, fire fish etc, but do not know the best compatible ones to make a harmonious community reef tanks.
This will be my first reef tank so all help and scaping ideas from your experience will be hugely helpful.
Bob

I will get getting an Innovative Marines Nuvo 24 tank in the next couple of weeks.
Its display dimensions are 36"L x 9.5" D x 13" H
There are two returns from the filtration in the tank each about 12" in from each end.

I am leaning towards doing this as a Freshwater planted due to the expenses of a Saltwater reef tank but many have tried to convince me it will not be that much more costly. This is where your input could make the difference.
I don't have the money to do this more than once as I am retired and on a fixed budget..
Thanks

 

[Mike]

HI Bob - what kind of light does it come with? Are you planning on running a protein skimmer? You're not gonna be able to keep many fish in it, maybe one or two if you want it to be a reef tank (imo). I would stock it with maybe 2 or 3 coral species and let them grow out and fill the tank. Which ones depends mostly on the lighting.