Well for a substrate I'd suggest you look at Onyx sand, it is a little expensive but worth it IMO. Find it on the Big Al's or MOPS website. I have one tank with Flourite substrate, 2 with Onyx sand, and one with plain silica gravel substrate. The onyx sand tanks have by far the best growth and the easiest maintenance.
I'd suggest checking out the boards at
www.aquabotanic.com for up to date advice on plants. I'd also suggest ditching the actinic light and go for 6500K lights all around.
If you want plants I've got plants, I can set you up with a variety of low to moderate light plants for a small consideration. Or look on
www.aquabay.ca for people selling plants.
Good luck.