Welcome aboard mate.
1. You should already have sand in the tank while cycling. If you put it in later, you willgo through another cycle.
2. Lighting is a very important piece of equipment to buy, just like a skimmer. It really boils down to what your bank account says. I personaly would get MH, you never can go wrong with them. Or you can go with T-5's. Just keep in mind that if you start off cheap now, you'll spend more at the end after you have "up-graded". Get the good stuff from the getcho.
3. I like to use the ratio 1.25-1.50 lbs of LR per gal. LS is a personal perf. but I like to have 1"-2" off it. Try to use fine grain sand.
4. I wouldnt turn the lights on b/c you dont need it. The cycling process is to start the growth of bacteria to help filter the water. Bacteria doesnt need light to grow, but algae does and if you leave the lights on, thats what your gonna get. You dont want to start off a new tank with algae problems.
Read as much as you can and ask alot of Q's and no matter what happens, try to fight the urges to impulse buy. Try this site and it will give you a good start.
Saltwater Aquarium Setup Guide Good luck and keep us posted. Luna
_________
9YR OLD 90G/55g custom sump/refug Mag18 Aquac 180skimmer 692w MH AC jr,yel&kole tang,midas&convict blenny,B&G chromies,Blk/yel fin chromie blackcap,nemo,neon goby,6line; Blastomussa Merleti,Acan ,BUBBLE,Torch,LTA, Acropora(2) Moon, assort zoas, yel& G star polyps, P&B ricordia, montiporas, cup&candy corals, xenias,B/G mush,flower ane(2), cherry red mussa, dusters,cleaning crew..
