[Lupin]

Welcome aboard.

I would have to say "yes" although Eheim filters would be the better choice as a lot have claimed that Fluval can easily become defective.

Lighting really depends on your choice. Arcadia and Interpet can work but again, it's up to you to choose. Choose fluorescent lights, not the incandescent ones as incandescents tend to produce heat which will also warm up the water. You can choose between pink and white. A combination of pink and white encourages plant growth. For a heavily planted tank, aim 5 watts per gallons. Sparsely-planted tank may have 2 watts per gallon.
Plants that can thrive in dimly-litted tanks:
Javan moss(Vesicularia dubyana), Javan fern(Micresorium pteropus), anubias, vallisneria, hygrophila polysperma and cryptocoryne.
Those are suitable to beginners.
You may try the elodea densa and ceratophyllum demersum.

You may try a read with this:
http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=544#544
Maintenance Guide:
http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=106

Good luck and hope you all the best, mate.

 

[Lupin]

I'm going to add that as for the filter media, you need only the foam, floss and ceramic chips(if available in the package).
Pls do not use the activated carbon as part of the filter media. Use that only for removal of stains, tannins and meds.

 

[Lupin]

Ceramic chips allow the population of beneficial bacteria to produce and thrive. Beneficial bacteria breaks down fish wastes up to the harmless nitrates.
Use only the ones designed for the aquariums.:wink:

That's optional, usmc. It depends whether you like them or not or if the filter has space. Foams and floss are a must though.

 

[Lupin]

Biowheels are the ones with rotating wheels. They can easily stuck up but lubricants can be used to ease the wheels. You need to dismantle the biowheel everytime you clean the media in it.
I don't think it's very important. Just stick with the filter. Filters also housed beneficial bacteria.