New Puffer owner

[RyanPuff]

Hi, I've been doing my research on dwarf puffers and am really interested in getting one. I have owned fish before, but not a serious one. So, now I have many questions. I'm going to use a 5 gallon tank and only have one. I'm going to buy a heater and filter as well. How do I cycle the tank before I actually get the puffer? When I'm changing water should I keep the puffer in there, and do I treat the water before putting the new water back into the tank and is it okay if that water isn't the same temperate of the water thats in the tank? Would you suggest gravel or sand for the bottom and fake or live plants? Should I keep the light on during the day and off at night? I do not have access to snails, would frozen bloodworms be enough for the diet? How often do I feed and how much do I feed? I know thats a lot of questions, but I want to do this right and make sure the puffer is happy. I appreciate all feedback.

[Pufferpunk]

http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/lib ... s-cycling/
http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/lib ... encycycle/
http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/lib ... uffercare/

[RyanPuff]

Thank you for the links.
I just watched a video on tetra safe start, is this an actual alternative to cycling a fish tank?