Hi
I also stay in woodland and also just start in this hobby for few month. I just like you start with 2.5' with DIY stuff for stand and sump. Now I just got my self 3' (2nd hand very cheap) cabinet tank with support from my wife as my current tank underneat very massy . As for SUN for my limited knowledge it need flow more than light. I also target feed them It seem to open nicely.