Rachel, welcome to the board! There is some good advice and opinions here. I'd say read as much as you can for the next while. When I'm not feeling so groggy I'll find a link to a good reading list.
www.reefs.org has a fantastic library that is definately worth a look.
I agree with what Andrew said in regards to the bbs lately. It seems that many of the really experienced reefers have more or less disappeared to be replaced with a lot of trash.
I'll add my two cents on the sandbed issue; if you can afford an aquarium companies sand that would be the root I'd go. Also, I've seen many tanks with DSB and high flow so it is possible.
Have fun!
[ 21 January 2002: Message edited by: Troy F ]</p>