i am the newbie here and to SW

I would strongly advize you to do at bare minimum six months of research before getting a Marine tank. I am not sure from your post on how much aquatic experience that you have, but i would suggest that you devote a day or so to reading and digesting these articles:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79292
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84571
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84361
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85270
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50785
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51213
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85206
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/articles/2093-marine-aquarium-lighting.html
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/articles/39-commonly-encountered-marine-invertebrates.html
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/articles/1256-helpful-hints-small-tanks-sw.html
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/articles/375-contrasting-fw-sw-methods.html

I know this seems like a lot of info, but trust me, it is well worth it.
As a little guidline, you should know enough about a creature to be able to answer most any question about it...(or as if you had kept it)

Good luck and Happy readings. Wolf.

It isn't that hard to get into saltwater. In fact, I only researched a few days before getting into it. Just learn the proper water chemistry (and how to measure it), let your tank cycle, and research any specific fish you're interested in. Tell me what size aquarium you plan to keep, and we'll go from there.

Good, but she needs to understand the process and functions of a sw tank first.

I don't think that it's going to take her 6 months b.w. I would recomend that you read some of the links that b.w. gave you . If you have any questions at all please post them and we'll be very happy to assist. Welcome to AC and welcome to s.w. let us know if you have any questions and it's nothing at all to be afraid of.
warm regards
Max

LOL hey daayda! yeah, i gave all my advice for you earlier just wanted to say hi.

AND personally, in my opinion, i dont think it would take 6 months, but then again, i dont have my own SW. just make sure you know EVERYTHING there is to know before you subscribe yourself to this crap! Hahaha