Thor...
Welcome! I think you will find this board a tremendous resource of lots of valuable information. I discovered the reef hooby while doing research on trying to keep an octopus, and ended up setting up a reef instead! I am pretty new to the hobby, just have had my 1st tank set up for about a 4 weeks. Click on SEARCH on the upper right hand corner of each area and you can search for the different terms that you are wondering about. Also, take some time and read through all the different topics- that is how I learned the most.
Anyway- a deep sand bed (DSB) is usually about 4-5 inches, different people recomend different depths, and it helps with the filtration process- with using Live sand and live rock, you are able to provide natural filtration for your tank. If you are int he northeast, you may be able to find southdown sand-- you can use that along with some live sand and save a ton of money.
3 things you will learn quickly in this hobby- it costs a lot, you need to do a LOT of research, and be patient!
I am not a patient person AT ALL, so this last one has been the hardest for me!
but when you finally get your tank set up and and cycled it is SO worth it!
Also- if you want to save money- do searches on line and here for DIY (do it yourself) projects-- i save a ton of money by making my own tank stand, and building my own canopy for lights out of parts from home depot...
Have fun!
[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: Javajoe ]