For the test kits, the best buy is to either order from, or price match to, petsmart's online price on the API master test kit. You get all the main ones you need for $23 plus tax, a really good deal rather than buying individually! Plus they last, if you only have one or two tanks, a LONG time. Well worth it for peace of mind and accurate results (that those crappy test strips cannot provide.....I learnt my lesson on that!)
Can your space alloted for a tank handle the All-Glass mini-bow 5 gallon? Those run about $37 at my local Wally World, with nearly everything you need to get started. They look really nice too! Do keep us updated please, whatever you decide.