Cycling a tank requires a few things patience being the front runner. Id start by setting your tank up properly with correct filtration Biological Chemical and Physical, the process also includes initial set up of a stable water condition, this includes Specific Gravity (Salinity near 1.024-1.026) , pH (8.2 Ideally), Ammonia Nitrite and Nitrates in acceptable parameters sustained over time, and water temperature (between 77-81 depending).
Cycling itself is just a wait game with checking the water conditions every so often. I'd start by setting up your tank, Introducing Liverock to it (I would do this now if you intend on doing it later) and then waiting a few weeks before introducing any fish assuming your water tests indicate your tank has started to mature,(even then the longer you wait the higher the chance of success with this stage).
Lighting will not be as important if you do not ever intend on putting in Light specific inverts, or corals. A basic 50/50 (Day/Actinic Blue) Flourescent you can purchase for a 55g (I assume since not many tanks I see are sold in 50g size) will be fine for the set up you want.
The basic equipment I would get would be (depending on Budget)
- 65+ Pds Liverock (assuming 55g)
- Livesand to cover and or mix with regular sand I have a fondness for Crushed Fiji Pink Sand)
- Filter of your choosing (Hang on Back/Tank or Cannister, remembering that it will take 2 HoB filters for a 55g)
- Thermometer
- Powerheads (preferably 2+ for a tank that size and rated to 55g+ as water flow will be very important.)
- Liquid Testing Kit, Including pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate
- GOOD Salt (I use Reef Crystals but there are by far some better ones out there. it comes down to your choice really)
- Refractometer/Hydrometer (Either or though the Refractometer will be worth its weight in gold down the line.)
This is all I can think of thus far, I wouldn't worry to much about what fish are good and hardy yet, Though Pajama Cardinals, and Damsels will work. There is no point in making sacrifices to the Gods yet. As for the Lion someone more experienced than myself will have to guide you down that road as I have no knowledge of what to do there.
Note: An alternative route to the Filtration system is a Sump system something you will also have to take up with the Elders of the Reef here.
