Hi there,
This question is very hard to answer as it is very general. It would be a lot easier to figure out a "game plan" in terms of equipment, livestock, etc. once you know what you would like to do with your tank.
For a quick intoduction on what brands people tend to avoid, you can check out:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...aste+AND+money
Its a lengthy 12 page read, but it will give you an idea of what other hobbiests don't like and why.
As for good places to buy equipment and whatnot, the sponsors on the left side of the page is a great place to start.