So I've gotten permission to combine my 45 gallon and my 29 gallon into my now empty 55. Going into it are 3 Bolivian Rams, 1 GBR, 4 cardinal and 10 neon tetras, 6 silver and 4 marble hatchets. (if the marbles survive quarantine, they're ick-ish.)

I'll be moving to a new house soon, (Beginning of July) and we'll have access to the house through the month of June. I'd like to get over there and get the tank set up and cycling within the next 2-3 weeks.

Funds are tight now so proper lighting will have to wait for a little bit, but I'd like to plant this tank . I decided I'd like to go ahead and get proper substrate into this tank at the start, so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on good substrate and how much to get. I don't really want to mess with a co2 system, aren't there ways to supplement that without the whole rig? Thanks for your time....

you can have a successful planted tank with pool filter sand and co2 but its really hard to have a successful planted tank w/ no co2 and the best substrate.

Head over to Greg's house. He has tanks with and without CO2. I think he uses ferts on the non CO2 tanks. I haven't been so lucky, but I am at the point that I'm not killing plants anymore. Good luck with whatever you do.

I just read an article that said that the planted tank substrate deteriorates with age and you will need to increase dosages of plant food the longer it is used. You might want to hold off on the substrate unless you plan on going with low light plants. Anubias plants are OK for low light tanks. I have had good luck with dwarf swords. They don't grow fast but they seem to do OK. If you don't mind the clamp lights they can be used with daylight bulbs to supply some cheap lighting. Just hang the clamp light minus the clamp from the ceiling. 2 of them will give you a spot light look to your tank. A cheap dual shop light with daylight bulbs will give you enough light for low light plants.
There is a book that I like on low tech plants: Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad
I am sure the planted tank people can recommend some low light plants. Anubias, some val, water sprite, java moss, hornwort and floating ricca are some of the plants I can have survive in my tanks.
Walter