my first tank

Question
i just bought my first fish tank, i haven't set my tank set so i have few question i want to ask you since you are fish expert. i hope you could help me. here is my questions

1. i want to ask you which is better to use in trophical fish aquarium, gravel or sand?

2. i also did some research, all new tank have to go through cycle. i planning to use cycle condiner, i heard that it makes it cycle my aquarium faster. Iam planning to use tetra aqua safe as my water conditer. I was wondering cycle could work with tetra aqua safe (for ex ) lets say i do my weely water change using my tetra aqua safe to remove chroning and then add cycle, but i know it cause problem by using two medication

3. do i have to remove the carbon before i use the cycle and how long should i wait to add the carbon to my aquarium.

4. what are some hardy peaceful trophical fish to start with, iam plaanning to add with drawf gournmie. i heard that gournmie are mild aggreegive.

i know it's a lot of question, i hope you could help me out, thanks  

Answer
Don't worry about how many questions you ask.  

1)It depends what kind of fish are in the tank.  Fish like stingrays need sand, but other fish like plecostomouses, most catfish, pretty much most fish need gravel.  

2)I suggest cycling it the old fashioned way.  Maybe adding the cycle conditioner every once in awhile.  

3)It should be in.  (or at least mine was :))

4)Gouramis are kind of nippy so they may nip other fish.  If you do get gouramis, remember that.  Some other good starters are:
Guppies
Plattys
Swordtails(really cool fish!)
Mollies

Good luck,
Paul