newbie !!

[fish.are.friends.not.food]

hi all just wanted some hints and tips as im planning on setting up a tropical aquarium(well 1st aquarium/tank ever :S ) for the first time in a few weeks!

i must sound so nieve but ive been searching the web and all the sites say different things ??

HELP LOL

• i know im wanting some bogwood so wanted help on how to make a bit of wood i have suitable ? and if the type of wood i have is suitable ?
• what fish are good starter fish ?
• do i use tap water or should i use some sort of special water ? tapsafe?
• how many fish should i have in my tank so they are not overcrouded ? tanks measures at 54cm long-26cm wide-37cm high ???? also what sized filter + heater do i need?
• and when im ready breeding ? male and females ?

sorry for all the questions but i want to make sure i do it all right as i dont want to be killing fish ....
thanks in advance fish.are.friends.not.food