Substrate

I'm upgrading from my nano tank to a 72 gallon setup I got off Craigslist. I need som insights on what substrate to go with. I like sand sifting gobies but I don't like the sand blowing around covering my liverock and coral and I don like the look when it gets dirty. I don't have much luck vacuuming up debris I useualllly just suck up sand and get it all over my corals. So I need advice on this from some people with experience. Also black substrate or white or pink for that matter. Can you have sand sifters with corals? I did see one at my LFS sifting crushed coral. But what about long term? I'm probably going to be asking a whole lota questions here pretty soon. The tank I bought is all taken apart and I've got to figure out about refugeims and protein skimmers and bioballs. I'm just waiting for my husband to brace up the floor.