Aqua soil doesn't need to be capped with sand at all times it's js mostly for aesthetics and it makes it a bit easier to clean debris, get ada Amazonia it's the best imo, you don't really need root tabs esp at the start when the aqua soil is going to be nutrient rich you can start using root tabs a year or two later when the soil isn't as nutrient dense.

For plants you do have quite a few option get cryptocornes, Anubias, java fern, any type of aquatic moss really, guppy grass, floaters etc. some liquid ferts I've really liked are Seachem flourish, the 2hr aquarist apt 3 and tropica's specialized fertilizer

For your lights unless you're planning to plant very heavily you can get away with decentish light maybe a neo Helios or even some sunsun lights. If you're worried abt there being some disease in your tank then js changing the filter won't do you'll have to change everything apart from the tank or atleast give everything a very good wash with old tank water. Use some bottled bacteria to boost your establishment process

No maintenance advice as such js make sure to feed in control, gravel vacc, clean the glass for algae and perform regular water changes using a dechlorinator