90L/24G Low-Tech Re-Do!

[kiwifeather]

Hi all, I've had my 90L tank since X-mas, and its been going fairly well, however I'm having issues with my plants and I don't like the scape much so have decided to redo pretty much everything.
 
The Tank ATM:

• 26C
• pH is 7
• Pebble and larger riverstone substrate, with oak leaves
•  One very large piece of store-bought bogwood, which is nice but just too large and limits space for planting etc
• 2x 18w flouro bulbs that came with the tank (AR620).
• Medium planted with unknown plants (LFS doesn't label plants). These are growing but not doing well per-say. They are growing tall and loosing all leaves lower down, which I believe is a light issue?
• I have a duckweed infestation
• Liquid ferts once a week.

Stocking:

• 2x German Blue Rams (M/F Pair)
• 1x Red Honey Gourami (M)
• 9x Cardinal Tetras
• 5x Beckford's Pencilfish
• 2x Panda Cory's (Rescues, will be gone tomorrow)
• Malaysian Trumpet Snails in unknown numbers but not infesting tank

 
The Plan:
The main plan for the tank is have it "semi-community" but mostly built around the idea it will allow my blue ram pair to feel safe in spawning. I've read ideally they need a "dither fish" like tetras to help them feel secure. 
I can do one of two things at this point in regards to the plants. 1. New lights better suited to a wide range of plants OR 2. Get low light plants only (java fern etc) which I know are not at LFS, would have to find a seller online willing to ship. 
Ideally, I'd like to get new lights, but do you guys think the GBR would prefer a lower light set up?
 
So..

• New lights? Can someone suggest the ideal lights for a low tech setup (im not keen on messing with CO2) for a Aqua One AR620? I know LFS sells a range of Aqua One bulbs. OR low light plants! Either way need to replant.
• Substrate. I know the pebbles are not ideal. I know sand would probably be a much better choice. I have been looking into Seachem substrates but a small bag at LFS was $90!!! If I end up changing the substrate, advise on substrate choice, how to change over from pebbles etc would be appreciated. Would I still be able to have the larger riverstones in there with a sand substrate?
• Temp to 28C? I think this is a better temp for the rams
• New wood! I got some great pieces from the river. So many I'll have to choose!
• Adding peat moss/more leaf litter to help lower pH? Again better for rams. Where would you add peat moss? 
• Getting rid of the duckweed? I have heard good and bad things about it. So far I quite like the look of its roots hanging down but its probably not helping my light situation and its a pain when you need to feed/stick anything in the tank. It can't get into my in-hood filter at least.
• Increased liquid ferts? Root tabs?
• Restocking. I need to get rid of the Beckford's. As much as I love them, they are bulling my other fish and even chasing the rams. My Cardinals have tears in their tail fins I know are from the Beckford's so they need to go. Obviously the Cory's will be gone as well. I am not sure what to do with the Honey Gourami. Will this cause issues later when the rams spawn? Should I get rid of him as well? I am leaning towards it, but would like more experienced opinions on this. If I do get rid of him it would leave me with;

Stocking:

• 2x Blue Ram (Pair)
• 9x Cardinal Tetras
• Malaysian Trumpets Snails

 
I'm thinking I could increase the number of Cardinals, maybe to 11 or so? Other than that I'm not sure what else I could do in regards to working around the ram pair. If the Gourami is fine, would getting him a lady friend be ok?
 
Anyway sorry for all the questions! I'll get some pictures up soon of tank as it is now, and my new driftwood to choose from.

 

[noobgamers]

i would say maybe 12 cardinals 2 blue rams 1 honey gourami is he top feeding i think if he and his lady friends are top feeding it will evenly fill the tank and take stress away form the other fish when they are breeding if so then get maybe 2 or 3 females to spread the aggresion and oh get floating plants if you want the male to breed but expect aggresion between the male and females and maybe a little towards the cardinals but safety in numbers they shouldnt bother the rams as the gourami like top to middle and rams are bottom to middle