1. If you use your tap water, you should make sure to remove the chlorine from the water before you add it to the aquarium. Chlorine can be very harmful to some of the fish in your aquarium. You can purchase kits to remove the chlorine from your aquarium at many retailers online.
2. It is generally a good practice to purchase the largest aquarium that you can actually afford. A larger aquarium will be less susceptible to quick changes in the chemistry, and will offer much more stability.
3. It is generally recommended to use natural gravel for the aquarium. Colored gravel can be used, as long as it is professionally made, certain cheaply made color gravels can be toxic to fish in your aquarium.