I can advise you on filters. I use several types. One is a Marineland canister filter. They are great for larger tanks like our 120. They take a little getting used-to and you need to know what you;re doing when setting them up.. but I am sure they come with directions.
My favorite filters are Whisper hang-on-tanks. I have several that are lasting me years and they are virtually silent and easy to clean. I use two for each 55g tank; they are each made for a 40-gallon filter. I like to overfilter
Cycling a tank and filter is vital! I have not cycled in years b/c my tanks have been going for that long. Basically you do not want to ever clean an established filter with soaps or hot water; it will kill off your colonies of beneficial bacteria that convert the wastes and detoxify things.
Cycling is not hard; set up the tank and run the filter, and add one or two fish that you really won't be heartbroken if you lose; feeders are good to use, and can be fed to your cichlids later. The tank will get really cloudy but will clear-up; it could take a few weeks. Adding fish gradually is then a good way to do things; overloading the bio-load of bene bacteria is going to cause another cycle and cloud-up and possible die-off of fish.
The worst beginner mistake is thinking that the tank has to be crystal clear 100% of the time. If allowed to cycle, the tank will become an awesome home for fish.
Any questions? I might have skipped something as I am distracted by my fiancee lol.