With a cannister you could put it in your stand and run the 2 hoses out the caninet and up to the tank and HOB filters need to be mounted on the back of the tank and IMO the cannister would be plenty of filtration and work the best for that shape of tank. I would also like to suggest a T-5 light system and with that you should be able to keep any plants you might like I think. I think I will let some others help you from here because I am not up to speed with the FW planted tanks as I am into reef tanks and simple FW setups. I never find questions too basic so always ask before doing something, there are only silly mistakes never silly questions so just keep asking and have fun