Even with cash, buying big colonies, unless you have all the right ingredients, you'll have a bunch of big brown colonies within 2 weeks.

I would say a good plan to do water change.
Most people forgot it when setting up a new tank.

determination :razz:

I agree with water changes. I've been doing weekly minimum 40-45 gallon water changes since I started my SPS tank in August 09. The only time I've missed is when I've gone on 12 day vacations. I would say that my aquarium is pretty successful - good colours, good growth and hasn't crashed yet (knock on wood).

H2O+NaCl is at the top of my list :)

In my case O.C.D has been my biggest helper. That's ocd. Cash & diligence.

Patience and understanding.

knowledge and patience. (just noticed mine is the same as above post)

Connections

You can have the best possible tank but if you don't know the right people you will never get the first dibs on all the nicest corals.

I will agree with everyone.Bits and pieces make whole.

from my past 20 years in the hobby of experience i will have to say
Gather all given information do lots of reading ask as many questions as you can,... when you think you got it all,.
Well this hobby never stop growing, have an open mind and be willing to grow with it..