Here it goes. If this is your first reef tank, don't use dry rock (you simply do not understand the biology to make it work without major issues), buy some establish rock and go from there. Buy some used books from Amazon or ebay on reef keeping (don't worry, I have a couple that I'll list). The info contained is these books is pretty much unchanged as the core principals/fundamentals are tried and true methods for keeping a successful tank. Never trust a LFS or hobbyist (who's selling you livestock) who doesn't ask you more questions than you ask them. This is a true sign of someone who cares and has the proper knowledge to help you and not just trying to make money. Try to keep NSW levels or slightly elevated NSW levels.
Book list:
The holy trinity of reef keeping: The Reef Aquarium Vol. I, II & III by Delbeek & Sprung (these are the most expensive books, but well worth the $$)
The Marine Aquarium Reference: Systems and Invertebrates by Martin Moe (paperback used for $8)
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner (paperback for $10)
Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry and Natural History by Eric Borneman (paperback for $17)
The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium Vol I, II, III & IV by Fossa & Nilsen (paperback for $12)