I 've had crushed coral,sugar sand,and bare bottom.All were easy to maintain(the sand tends to stir up easily,but looks better IMO)definatley cant beat good old live rock!once cured,it's full of good stuff to help your tank.As far as filtration goes there are many ways to go,all depends on the tank set up(fish only,reef,predator tank...)I'm useing canister type rightnow,untill i can build a sump,but there are lots of more experienced people on here who would be more than glad to share their ideas
good luck
Michel:Welcome to Canreef
Jim