[Matt Nace]

This is all you need.
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin.html

I have done fishless twice. Both times they took a while to cycle for me.

I still , even though I dont all the time, cycle with fish and plants. I figure the plants provide a place for bacteria to grow on, plus the can use up some ammonia if it gets to high. I always go with a very small fish load, or a gradual one.

Use filter media from another tank to seed it.

The gravel from a established tank can be placed in the filter, if you have room. If not with the other gravel will work.

Decide what you want your tank to to be, then you can decide what you need for it.

Will it be a peaceful or aggresive community?
A species only tank?
A planted tank?
A tank with large fish?
 Decide what you want then decide what you need to accomidate the fish.