For my filters, I use 1 each of the foam pads in the bottom basket seperated by one of the inserts. The middle basket I fill completely with bio-rings/stars/nanoballs. The top basket I have the bottom of it empty for inserting chemical filtration when needed then an insert with the polishing pad on top of that.
I actually don't have any xp3 filters just xp2s and xp4s. The xp2 has a set of pre-filters that prevent the canister from becoming dirty so its full from top to bottom with bio material. The xp4s have bio material in the middle 2 baskets with the top and bottom baskets the same as above.
If you want to go planted, I'd go ahead and get a fixture (130w or 260w) and plant the tank before adding fish. This will actually slow down the cycle, but if you add fish slowly the plants will prevent ammonia build up. If your going to go 260w, your going to need pressurized co2 injection.