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Your rats will need as much space as possible, to run, climb, and play. You should keep at least two rats, because they are very social creatures and can become neurotic and timid if left alone. Keep same-sex rats unless you know IN ADVANCE that you have an outlet for babies.
A wire cage is better than an aquarium-style container because your rats can climb the sides, giving them an outlet for their climbing instincts. Plus, there is better ventilation, so methane from waste doesn't build up as much.
Bedding is important, but the wrong kind can be deadly for your pets. Cedar shavings must be avoided at all costs, and stay away from pine shavings as well. The reason comes from the aromatic oils in the wood, which -- while they smell good -- irritate rats' delicate respiratory systems, and can build up toxins in their body. A rat kept on shavings will sneeze a lot, and likely die early of respiratory infections. Newspaper is absorbent, but the ink will rub off on your rat's coat, which they will then ingest when they groom themselves. There are numerous organic litters available, but some can get expensive. I have had luck putting a layer of newspaper on the botton of the cage, a paper towel or two on top of that, and then a thin layer of shredded office paper at the top, for the rats to burrow in and hide things.
Include one or two places where your rats can hide, such as a small cardboard box or PVC pipe section. Rats prefer to sleep in a safe, hidden place, and they also like to pile on top of each other while they sleep.
While some rats enjoy swimming or playing in shallow pans of water, their main source of drinking water should come from a water bottle, because of a bottle's improved sanity. There are numerous styles available, but be sure to hang it in an easily accessible position, and keep it filled.
Hang ropes, braided string, rag hammocks, and any other toys you tghink your rats might enjoy climbing, swingin on, and/or chewing. Make sure everything is nontoxic, because rats will nibble at almost anything in their cage, and set their teeth gnawing at what tastes good. Provide chew sticks or rawhide items for your rats to gnaw, since they must wear down their teeth.
Keep the cage out of direct sunlight, and away from drafts and loud steros or TVs. Place it off the ground, both to avoid drafts and to increase your interaction with your pets.
Food should be provided in bowls, but keep in mid your rats will likely hide stashes of food in their cage. For this reason, you should change the litter fairly often (once or twice a week) so that there isn't a lot of spoiled stuff rotting in the litter. Try to remove uneaten foods before they start to go bad.
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