Solid advice Chris, I concur.

Skully, doing your research first is key, so you are on the right track. So many people get frustrated with, and ultimately quit, this hobby due to a simple lack of research. Research all purchases and ask others lots of questions. There is really no magic to it and there are many ways to set up a successful reef. I agree with Chris, go with the VHO bulbs first and then later metal halides for the stony corals. Before you set up, decide whether you want a sump or not and the type of filtration system your desired setup will require. Another very important step is to learn the water quality basics, a few of which are the importance of pH and alkalinity and how they differ and interact; the importance of calcium and magnesium and how they interact with each other; how calcium and alkalinity interact; and, the importance of trace elements and how to maintain a constant supply. There are many good articles out there. Check out www.wetwebmedia.com for some good info. In the beginning, I would recommend staying away from all the expensive gadgetry like calcium reactors, elaborate wavemakers, UV sterilizers etc until a better understanding and knowledge can be gained about their uses and usefullness. Many of these things are very expensive and somewhat advanced. Keep it simple. Get a good skimmer like a Remora, a few powerheads, some good live rock and sand and go from there. And, to steal a quote from many reefers out there, "nothing good happens fast". Welcome aboard and good luck!