40 Gallon planted help?

[archaic37]

We are getting rid of turtles and will be combining a 10G and 20G tall tank into this planted tank.

I have done some research I would like a low light, low maintenance tank (something that sort of looks like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bR2CEHJhWE just larger scale and a little bit more dense planting in some areas) I have a few questions.

1) What type of sand can I purchase? I will also buy some flourite or similar to go under the sand.
2) recommended filtration? Hang on or Canister?
3) I figure with the small number of plants and low light I will not need a Co2 diffuser but correct me if I am wrong on that.
4)What would be a recommended ground cover? I have one idea for ground cover and that is Sagittaria Subulata. Other plant ideas are Scarlet Temple, Money Wort, Wisteria, Anubius, Red Ludwigia, Corkscrew Val., Cabomba, anabias nana, java fern, large amazon sword.
5) What would be a good clean up crew?

Fish that will go in are
2 Tiger barb
4 Neon Tetra
3 Dalmation Platty
about 8 young platty and mollies
2 Mollies
2 Plecco.

any recommendations for additional fish?

 

[fish042099]

Most of those plants(amazon sword) can't survive in low light. also tiger barbs need to be kept in groups of 6+ to reduce fin nipping.

 

[fish042099]

Go on azgardens and the plant habitats section there is an easy to care for plant package for people who have less than 2wpg and no co2