Shameless plug: Check out the "build" threads for ideas. There are a lot of ways to do a successful SW tank and if you get a look at a lot of ideas, you will be able to pick out the ones that will work for your situation.
Your mileage may vary, but it is highly unlikely you will experience something that others on this board haven't been through already. You'll be able to learn from other's mistakes and also hopefully have some insight when things might be going wrong a lot sooner than a normal Noob would. (I know I'm banking on that for me!

)
The #1 thing now is to get some notion as to what you want to keep, as mentioned earlier. Personally speaking, I changed my mind a dozen times, even right up to the day I mixed my first batch of SW. Suggestions will vary greatly depending on what you want to keep and then on your budget. Parts of the hobby are expensive and unavoidable (like good lights for reef tanks) and other parts are expensive and may be optional in your situation. Even the spendy stuff has more affordable options.
You are in the right place.
Edited by vadryn - April 21 2009 at 5:22pm