Thinking of Changing Tank to a More Natural Look

Right now, I have a very unnatural looking tank. (You know, the one with the blue gravel and plastic decorations.) I was hoping to make it look more realistic or natural by taking out the gravel and adding sand or pebbles. I also wanted to make it into a planted tank.

Right now, my lighting is two 25 watt bulbs, so I don't know if this is enough for plants and I don't really want to spend any more money on lighting. Also, do I need a CO2 system?

When I change the gravel, do I need to move my fish into a quarantene tank?

Thanks!

If I took water from the tank into another ten gallon tank would I be able to keep all of my fish in there until the cycle is over? Also, still all of those plant questions plus...I have apple snails, should I get rid of these before I get plants?

What about adding CO2? Also, would the compact florescents need a new ballast? I have a hood I got in a kit at petsmart with my 10 gallon. This is it: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754548

Would this work? http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753932