A canister filter or a couple of HOB filters will be the easiest method. Your stand has a very large opening underneath with no obstructions. You can fit a nice tank underneath to use as a sump. You have a lot of room to work with. You can use the sump as a grow out tank if needed, keep smaller species underneath or just use it for media, extra water and equipment. It all depends on how simple/complicated of a tank you want.
I am on Long Island the plants most of the plants by me, such as elodea and hornswort, requires little light. I am assuming it's the same for you. If you have money to spend I will look into Kessil lights. If you are looking for something more economical make in china leds or LED flood lights will work. You just want something in the 6,500k range.
T5 lights are also great. I will recommended a 2 bulb fixture or a 4 bulb fixture. T5s consume more energy then leds but in my opinion look nicer. They also make t5 bulbs with leds. What are the dimensions of your tank? If it is 18in or more I would get a 4 bulb t5 fixture, it does not matter high out put or not. My set up will be 2 whites, a blub with red(red sea pink) and a bulb with blue (ATI aquablue).
Here are a few basic setups. If you want to spend more you can get fixtures with timers built in, better reflectors and what not.
2 bulb t5
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-AquaSun-Fluorescent-24-Inch/dp/B0002DIRAU/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1429628771&sr=8-37&keywords=24in+aquarium+light
http://www.amazon.com/Odyssea-Aquarium-Light-Fluorescent-Fixture/dp/B005GVBFMK/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1429629800&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=oddyssea+lights
4 bulb t5
http://www.amazon.com/Odyssea-T5ho-...id=1429629828&sr=8-11&keywords=odyssea+lights
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Labor...29628733&sr=8-22&keywords=24in+aquarium+light
LED FLOOD
http://www.amazon.com/ZITRADES-Aqua...9627865&sr=8-5&keywords=aquarium+leds+planted
LED stip
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GH9HSI0/ref=twister_B00HIE3M6U?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1