I can't start cycling now without the stand...it'll be too heavy for me to lift.

It's funny you mentioned using fish...I never knew how much of a debate it is. My lfs told me to add fish, I think he mentioned zebra danios. I don't really care for them, I love the look of the celestial ones but those are way more expensive to get if there's a chance of them dying. I've done research on both methods of cycling, and sadly I think the most foolproof way for me as a beginner is going with fish. Luckily there will be plants in the tank to better help the situation

I will try and persuade my lfs to give me rocks and plants from their tanks and perhaps some gravel to kick it all off