Just bought a 40g breeder. I need help getting it ready!

There are so many choices out there in regards to substrate, substrate color, lighting, plant choices ferts, etc. but to give you some input on an "easy maintenance planted tank" - I would use only rosette plants (Vals Sag, Swords, crypts, Bylxa, etc.) that way, there's not a whole lot of trimming involved, but for these types of plants, you will need a good substrate.

First, choose a substrate color you like. Eco complete and flourite, as well as some others come in a few different colors (black, brown, red - you could even mix them if you like). If you like the look of sand - I would definitely recommend pool filter (NOT PLAY) sand. I would put laterite under it for root development (others might recommend only root tabs)

I would use a twin tube T5HO lamp 8-10 hours a day. Choose lamps that appeal to your eye, after all you're the one looking at the tank. Plants are pretty adaptable when it comes to lamp color (I have one actinic and one 12k bulb over one of my tanks, I have a 5k and a 65k over another and my plants do great in both)

I would dose liquid ferts and API CO2 booster (or Flourish Excel) daily.

Hope this gets you in the right direction.

Best of luck with your new project,
Roy

It can't get any easier than plants like java ferns, Anubias, Crypts, Vallisnaria, etc. Those wouldn't need anything more than maybe a single T8/T12 or if you want some more options you could get a twin strip or maybe a T5NO. When I had a low maintenance setup I didn't dose any thing other than Flourish comp and Excel whenever I felt like it.

I don't feel like HO is appropriate unless you're willing to go with CO2 and a more intensive fert regime given the dimensions of a 40B. The one benefit would be the opportunity to migrate more towards the high maintenance spectrum, but for the time being you would need to either run a single bulb, raise the fixture, or find another way to cut down on light.