I hit refresh on the cache remember, now I can barely remember to pee standing up ;) Its a good thing too, Dr Phil was about to sue me for mocking him!
I think
allira has answered well and honestly, its just a simple snap shot for the observer remember, it will aid in responses for learning/teaching.
I do agree in part with Matty, you cant go past quality gear, and talking long term, waiting till you have the correct gear is a pretty sweet way to launch. Especially if you use the down time to brush up on your understanding.
I'm personally not a fan of all in one systems, but its not to say they aren't a great launching platform as well. Plug and play for the user, hey~ I'm down with that, I means more beer time staring at the tank already.
Will it teach as much?, hard to say, the same principles are there, its just designs that differ.
Does the design compliment or hinder, beats me, I just work here!
Money is an issue, and in the same breath it isn't. Let me put it this way, as an example I could set a marine tank in the bath tub using your budget..... and the inhabitancy enjoying the spa jets would be loving it. Its just about where your trying to reach. Its pointless aiming for the latest lights as an example, if you dont have a need for it, or a foreseeable budget to accommodate it.
Fish dont require anything more than florescent to simulate light last I checked, so its just a question as to whether your going to jump into corals early.
In a lot of ways, (risks aside) your better seeking a pre loved than attempting a new fit out, especially being new to the subjects. Unless your the worlds biggest tight ass, people usually let things go for a decent price, and some come with great extras. As you said, tax time is around the corner, it may pay to shop around the marine sales market. Your current tank can ether be absorbed into the mix, or sold off for a needed purchase.