An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 1)

The marine aquarium hobby can behold a vivid, vibrant, remarkable and fascinating hobby, albeit more expensive than freshwater or african tanks. Setting up and taking the proper steps to afford you the best chances, and that of the livestock which you plan on keeping, of survival and long term success will go, are key to your results of being a successful reefer or a depressed and confidence ridden failure temporarilly. Now you are not responsible to be experts right from the get go, but as you further yourself, over due time with hands on experience, reading and researching, you should become an expert(oh, you must want it as well as it won't come easy or happen overnight)! NO one should attempt to dive into the marine hobby single handedly, or without any kind of preparedness, a plan and without visualizing the concept as a whole. The choice is ultimately up to you as to how you would like to start your journey or journal or end it if you will, and how each adventure pans out along the way.

I guess, if I were to start over again, as a newbie in the saltwater hobby, I would have a few questions that I would need to address before starting any type tank set up. Many of you will probably have the same type of questions, whereas others may find my questions as an Oh, yeah!, good point, forgot about that...
So, here I go as I try to offer you some of the typical and more pertinent questions that you should be asking yourself, not necessarilly in this order, mind you to ensure atleast moderate success.