Well, off the top of my head, I would try any combination of the following:
1. On highend there is a new plugin called: "GLU3d" I think that will help you create your realistic splashing effects.
2. For your ripples, there is a shader, a melscript, and a plugin that can do this on Highend as well.
(sorry Kev![Smile user added image](images2/smilies/smile.png)
3. And lastly, there is a tutorial on Alias|Wavefront's "How-To" section on how to make water ripples in a trough that I think would help you get started.
I'm at work right now, so, I can't get you the direct links at the moment, but if you look for them, you'll find 'em ![Smile user added image](images2/smilies/smile.png)
Good luck, and let's see it when you're done!
Israel "Izzy" Long
Motion and Title Design for Broadcast-Film-DS
izzylong.com