Vals, crinums, crypts and swords are great because they are not overly demanding when it comes to light or co2 but they are root feeding plants and will require regulare root tab additions.
Stem plants like rotala, ludwigia and hornwort are great because they can be left floating or stuck into the substrate they will grow roots. If you want to maintain the red though you will need more intense lighting and the addition of liquid ferts may become neccesary. I don't care for the finer leaves found on some stem plants as they tend to clog uplift tubes on filters especially AC filters.
Java Fern/moss, bolbitus, anubius and buce are near bullet proof when it comes to plant grazing fishes but not all. JF/M and anubius do well in a broad range of light intensities and water conditions. They do best when attached to wood. Anubius will grow with its roots buried in the substrate but make sure the rizhome isn't because it will rot.
Apon's are bulb plants and do require a dormant season if you want to maintain them long term but they are also very undemanding and flower readily.
I haven't used the Black diamond sand so I don't know how fine grained it is. If the tank is empty of fish then this would be the best time to plant. A dry planting works really well and is just that dry or sans water. Add your sand and hardscape materials and then moisten the substrate enough that its not fluidized. Add the plants and seal the tank with cling wrap for 3-4 weeks. This allows the root systems to become established before filling.
