New To Forum

Welcome to the forum, @Tizme .

How exciting to be able to continue the fishkeeping journey, but this time on your own terms with your own choice of fish. 

Firstly, you'll need to cycle the tank (or, more specifically, the filter media) - more details are https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fishtank-filtration-and-cycling/fishless-cycling-how-to-do-it/ and https://forums.thinkfish.co.uk/fishtank-filtration-and-cycling/seeding-a-fish-in-cycle/ - but this will give you time to plan out your tank properly.

@Matt will be able to advise on substrates and planting.

Take a look at the water hardness for your postcode on your water supplier's website, and let us know what the readings are in CaCO3, German degrees hardness or any other measures.  This will help figure out what fish are best suited to your water.