BIG aquarium questionS??????? fish care, plant care?

ok i have a 50 or 55 gallon fish tank i have nothing inside except gravel. 1rst questions what kind of plants should i get that will survive in low lighting? do i have to give the plants anything? what kind of shrimp are the best for eating algae? how many shrimp should i get? how many fishes do you recommend i put in the tank, im thinking about putting fishes like neon tetras and guppies in. what side do you recommend i put the filter in? (left, mid left, right, mid right?) should i get a heater? thank very much if you can answer all of my questions :)