Well, the big question is what kind of corals you want to keep, because that will determine the setup you will need. I know it's kind of difficult to know what you want when you don't know yet what you want. Start looking at the corals for sale on the sponsors websites, as well as liveaquaria.com. Get a feel for the kind of corals you want to see in your tank, and then it will be easier to give you suggestions on a setup.
You will definitely need a skimmer, lighting, powerheads, live rock, and a heater. What types/brands and in what sizes/quantities are all relative to what you will fill the tank with.
Don't run out and buy a canister. The live rock in a reef tank does most of the work the canister would be used for. A
protein skimmer is far above a canister filter on things to buy.
p.s. I grew up outside the city. I'm headed up tomorrow for the holiday. Can't wait to hike Muir woods this weekend.
I mix twinkies and ding dongs all the time, in Europe they call it a Dinky -- Homer Simpson
(that way i wont be tempted to start putting in any livestock too early...
(i can tend to get impatient so this will be good for me)
... what would be the the basics in equipment that i would need to get my tank running.... do i need a 
cause it kinda died.....
