I'll wait for the water parameters (GH and pH) of your tap water before suggesting fish. A 10g is small space, and cardinals can work because they are so inactive, though I wouldn't. The true "nano" type fish would be better. But parameters need to be known.
As for the light, if this was for corals you will need a new tube, one with around 6500K. The Life-Glo or the ZooMed UltraSun are the best; make sure it is T8, they make T5 now too but those won't fit.
For filter, I would not do HOB on so small a tank. A sponge filter connected to an air pump is ideal. Takes up little space, circulates the water and keeps it clear for the plants.
For substrate, I would suggest sand, and play sand works fine. This will allow you to have small substrate fish like corys. Plants grow well in sand. I would avoid stem plants like Wisteria because they are so fast growing you will be continually thinning them out, and in smaller tanks it is better to a more stable aquascape. Pygmy chain sword, crypts; floating plants.
Byron.
As for the light, if this was for corals you will need a new tube, one with around 6500K. The Life-Glo or the ZooMed UltraSun are the best; make sure it is T8, they make T5 now too but those won't fit.
For filter, I would not do HOB on so small a tank. A sponge filter connected to an air pump is ideal. Takes up little space, circulates the water and keeps it clear for the plants.
For substrate, I would suggest sand, and play sand works fine. This will allow you to have small substrate fish like corys. Plants grow well in sand. I would avoid stem plants like Wisteria because they are so fast growing you will be continually thinning them out, and in smaller tanks it is better to a more stable aquascape. Pygmy chain sword, crypts; floating plants.
Byron.
