Fish for a Beginner?

You like exotic looking fish?
Is Dwarf Gourami exotic enough for you? Is betta exotic enough for you? Is German Blue Ram exotic for you? Google up those terms and you will see the photos.

Or you can check the link in my signature and check out the videos of my fish tanks.

What is your idea of "extremely large" tanks? You don't want them, but we also would like to know the actual size of what you do not want.

To keep fish, you will need filter system, heater if they are tropical. Water conditioner is a must for every water change. Air pump and air stones unless you keep betta or Gourami.

It is a lot of planning. More details on what exactly you want is needed. You can start with the tank size and your budget size.