I have just bought a 5 x 2 x 15" tank for tropical Any advice on starting it up

Gravel or sand? How many filters? Best way to start nitrate cycle. Lots of lights , which type or colour is best? Whats the best first fish to put into the tank?

So what size is that gallon wise? Trying to find it on this list, but not showing those dimensions. Sounds like a good size though.

http://www.aquarium-stand-plans.com/aqua.

I personally like sand bottoms better, I think they look nicer, and they're easier to maintain IMO, the poop and food just settles on the bottom, not in between the gravel. If you end up going with sand, you don't want more than 1 inch of sand, and you need to stir it when you do water changes if it gets too thick in one area, some gas can build up. I just use the other end of the fish net and run it through the sand.

I would go with 2 filters, a cannister for that tank size, and a hob(hang on the back), I like the Penguins. Whatever gallon size your tank is, add a 0 at the end of the number, and that's the minimum gph filtration you want, but more is always better.

As far as lights, I never really got into that, can't help you there. Type of fish, what kind of tank do you want? Do you want a community tank, a South American cichlid tank, an African cichlid tank? Here's a link to search on different types of fish. Do a species only tank, meaning stick with one type, like I mentioned above. Also, I'll add a few links for forums, do a search for cycling a fish tank, and also I'd recommend doing a fishless cycle, so search that as well. It's real easy to do.