welcome aboard......... you going about this the right way you want to make sure you have your game plan down before you go head first into this. I cannot stress enough and I think the other members here will agree. you have to take your time and do this correctly. alot of people just think this will be like setting up a goldfish bowl and they end up killing off alot of stuff and blowing a lot of unnecessary money.
Shovelhead was right on the undergravel filter they are nothing but good unless you ;run them reverse and I will not even go there. but a 2 to 3 inch sand bed is good and get some good live rock and start your cycle. I would recommend a good skimmer like a prizm and if you have room under the tank do a sump/fuge that is a good idea www.melvesreef.com has some good stuff on sumps. but just take your time and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Good luck :D