SPS Checklist:
Like you said strong lights - Many would recommend Metal Halide but some are having success with T5's. And some have success with good ol' flourescents. The stronger the lights though, the better growth and colour you are more likely to get. Strength of halide would depend on depth of tank. 24 inches and less I would think you would be good with 250 Watt lights, anything over that depth you would be looking at 400 watts. Double ended or mogul? That debate goes on and on and on. The reason I like Double ended is because you can fit them in a more compact casing/canopy.
Flow - strong, but not direct. Direct flow will result in lack of polyp extension, which results (somewhat) in a lack of feeding, and in my opinion the aesthetics aren't as great as when the polyps are extended. Best options are the Vortech and Tunze streams, which produce a lot of flow with a not-so direct stream.
Calcium Reactor - highly recommended as SPS need and use a lot of calcium. You can always supplement it but for ease of use, nothing beats a calcium reactor. It pays for itself in the long run.
Prisitine water conditions - clear, low-nutrient water is ideal for the growth of SPS. The clearer the water the greater the light penetration and the greater the feeding of the coral (coral feed off algae within their tissue that get excited/fed by light). Low nutrients are necessary as higher nutrients can lead to higher nitrate levels, which corals aren't that fond of.
Time - in my personal opinion SPS are more colourful and has greater aesthetics than softies and most LPS but because of their need for high water quality, time needs to be devoted to maintaining the water.
Protein Skimmer - although some run tanks without them - with success. I would recommend a quality skimmer (euro-reef, aqua-c, deltec etc.) to remove organic wastes. Taking one look at the collection cup of a quality skimmer after a few weeks of breaking in, it is tough to argue against not having one.
Hope that helps a little bit. . .
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