I cycled my 10 gal planted in 40 days, that includes once when I totally reaquascaped in the middle of the cycle.
I dont know about lights, but I've heard that a warmer temperature can speed it up and also that if you keep the water level below the filter so that the water coming out of the filter splashes a little and agitates the water, that may help. Or use bubble stones to agitate it.
HTH