I often use clearseal tanks, as they're reasonably priced.
Remember, one foot long is a very small tank, two foot long is small, and three foot is probably the easiest to keep for a beginner.
You need to cycle a tank before you put animals in it, you can find lots of info by browsing the board.
I personally use Interpet Powerfilter 2 for a two foot tank, 3 for three foot and so on.
However, Eheims are good, and a lot of people like Fluvals.
Go for the best you can afford.
Make sure the water can pour down a wall, and along it too. This helps break up the flow (less stress for your pet) and aerate the water.
Plants are easy. Elodea, mosses and hygrophyla are my top choices. Just chuck em in and watch em grow.
There's a lot of umming about lighting - I use a simple freshwater fluorescent, but I need to put more surface plants in, as after a year, my 'lotl has suddenly taken a dislike to it!
Hope that helps.
