Newbie Looking To Upgrade

[Alfwok]

--Hi everyone this is my first post and here is my story; Well i wanted to get into fish about a year ago so i bought alittle 2gal tank at walmart and i put a guppy, albino corydora, a dwarf puffer, and a dwarf african clawed frog in there as a total noob (probably way to many fish for the small tank i know i thought a few would die) didnt know anything about cycling untill later when i read it online. Still have never tested my water i assume its cycled and i just change some of the water once a week. even though my many mistakes the fish lived are still living and seem very lively and in good health. Im out of school now and i want to upgrade my little tank and id like some suggestions since i still dont know much.
--I saw http/www.petco.com/product/13810/Marinel...uarium-Kit.aspx and im wondering if these setups are any good?

--And i have more questions
1. i keep my fish upstairs in the house where the water temp is around 73-75 with the light on during the day and i want to move them into the basement where its cooler so im gonna need a heater. im wondering if theres ever been problems with acrylic tanks and heaters.
2. I wanna try some live plants and ive seen these little clear plastic containers with live plants in some kinda clear gel looking stuff...anyone know anything about these? i cant find anything online about them since i cant remember the name.
3. sand or gravel? i have smooth gravel in my small tank but i heard corys and puffers like sand. Also does sand get pulled out while syphoning?
4. when it comes to switching them im gonna have to read up on cycling but would the frog help instead of a fishless cycle throw him in there with some of the old water and gravel to get the bacteria going im wondering if the water problems would effect him since he doesnt breate it?
--I figure ill be adding another guppy puffer and cory unless someone has some recommendations.
--I need some helpful comments please? thanks in advance.

 

[stang1]

Hi Alfwok, welcome to the site. I've not seen those tanks before but it does look like a nice set up.
You really need to rehome the fish you have as soon as possible or get the new tank set up, I'm afraid. There are too many fish in the tank and you will end up with problems.
1. There's no problem keeping a heater in an acrylic tank.
2. I'm not sure what plants you mean but Anubias and Java Fern are great plants to start out with.
3. Either sand or gravel although if you use gravel then it needs to be fine gravel with no sharp edges as the Cories will catch their barbels.
4. I wouldn't use the frog or any fish to cycle the tank. There's a pinned topic on how to cycle your tank, have a read through to get a better idea.

Puffers should be kept in a species only tank as they will end up nipping your other fish. They also need at least 5 gallons for each one so I'd see if the lfs will take it back. If you are set on keeping it, then you could get away with 2 in the new tank as long as it's heavily planted. You wouldn't be able to keep the other fish with them though.
African dwarf clawed frogs are meant to be quite aggressive but check with other members to get their input.
Cories neede to be kept in groups of at least 3 but 5 would be better.
Guppies also prefer to be kept in groups. As they breed readily, it's up to you what sex guppies you get. Most people keep 1 male to every 2 females but you could get away with 5 males.

 

[rdd]

I have a Marineland Eclipse 12 tank, and I really like it. The built in filter is extremly quiet. Just be careful as it does scratch quite easily.

 

[vinylman]

I'd buy a liquid test kit, and test regularly; if you get an ammonia or nitrite spike, you won't know until it's too late. Don't buy any plants unless you are certain they are suitable for an aquarium - never take chances.