SALIFERT Carbonate Hardness / Alkalinity KH/Alk Profi Test

Hi All, Hope this is OK to ask but I am after some tips for a new set up, I have bought a pre-owned Juwel Vision 180 its bare and cleaned, it came with a Fluval 207 external filter. I will be buying some carbon and bio-ceramic for the filter so that side of things will be ready. I wasn't sure on substrate but like the idea of sand, I was torn between white or black and ive read multiple posts about black sand being a little bit easier on the eye in terms of waste etc on the floor. I have an air pump but what type of air device should I get any suggestions? should I just aim for a long air bar? also can someone explain how I cycle my tank and for how long for? i hopefully want some clean up crew and with my limited knowledge i believe that would be either a plec or shrimp or snails is this correct, any tips on this? Also should I invest in a water test kit and if so, any reccomendations? any help is very much appreciated.