possible newbie

Hi, ive had a look around the site. I was trying to see what amount of time these marine tanks take to maintain over the fresh water ones.

When people go on holiday, can you use some sort of automatic feeder as we have no one to feed them the old fashioned way. This is my main concern. I want to be able to feed them without relying on others if we do go away for a couple of weeks.

My wife is intermating that she wants colourful fish and nice plants or corals. THe last time i bought pets for her i did not find out the basics first and ended with 2 fluffy chinchillas that will be around for 30 odd years and need alot of attention and space.

Please help me if you can.

Thanks
Emo ps depending on which type fresh water or sea water what is the best book to buy for starters. Is their a bible of fish book???

thanks.

Am i correct in thinking that basically with a marine tank you need to have people feed when you on holiday. Whereas the fresh water can be fed using a automatic feeder. thanks.

Are there any plants in fresh water that look as good as coral?

thanks again. I think these type of sites are great.