Hi i'm Sarah. Thinking about starting up my first tank and thought this would be a great place to get some tips and suggestions. I'll probably start with a smallish tank but am really struggling with starter species. Any advice is really welcomed
To keep your water from poisoning your fish, you need bacteria in the filter. That link is the best way to cultivate those bacteria without harming fish.
3rd. Get as big a tank as you can afford and have space for. A small mistake is more diluted in a big tank than it is in a small tank, so bigger tanks are more forgiving.
With regard to species of fish, your best bet is to go window shopping at your local fish stores, write down the species that you like, and we'll see what works and what's a no-no.
Hi Sarah and welcome to TFF and welcome to the hobby (it's a great one). Definitely read through the link the_lock_man posted, good stuff (I did things the hard way). Fortunately though, you're asking before buying and that'll save you alot of time and energy. I'm rather new here too but i'll help as best as i can. the_lock_man touched on all the good beginner advice. I'll add build your tank around your fish, pick the fish first and see if you can afford to house them. Some of them (plecostomus for example) can start off tiny and grow well over 2 foot long. Research research research!