The plants look almost like Amazon Sword plants!
Unfotunately with the small surface area and substantial height, you will not be able to house to many plants! I like longer, and deeper tanks better, but anyway...
The type tank you have would be good for Discus' and Angelfish especially!
I would go with a "Vitalight" or "Growlight" for your plants.
You could try using the gravel you have right now and as for the carbon reactor, I never owned one and have had some success with live plants without the use of a carbon reactor.
Do some research on the types of plants as some are better and hardier than others. Amazon Swords and Banana plants are a couple hardy species of live plant.
Good luck _________ 125gal.w/Mag9.5 return(dual megaflow)>Mag7 pump Aqua Cev180skimmer.Wave2k Hamilton Reefstar(2)250watthqi(mh)pend.a Yellow, Naso Tang Red Lip Blenny Percula Clown Demoiselles Niger Trigger F. Wrasses Ceriantharia Orn.Shrimp and Stars Hermits Queen Conch asst. snails> Stars Zoos shrooms Montipora Brains Gorgonians Favia Turbinaria(large+small polyp) Acropora Xenia Tridacna (CroceaMaximaSquamosa) Leathers <35+75gal.reef tank as well> 
"IF THE PHONE DOESN'T RING...IT'S ME"  jb  |