Okay, I'm not taking sides here, but I'm going to toss in my few cents.
First of all, to Dodgeboy: You must understand Cody is looking out for the interests of the fish. Yes, it's true, not everyone can afford a huge tank, but look at what's going on in this one. A 2.5 gallon tank is not going to be kind to the pleco, first and foremost. I imagine it must be pretty small right now, but it will grow, and if it stays in that size tank long enough it will have growth issues, like a deformed spine for one.
The cichlid is most likely going to grow fairly large as well, depending on what kind it is. That plus guppies and two tetras is really pushing space. Even a ten gallon tank would be much kinder to the fish, which would cost 9-12 dollars depending on where you buy it. The one I keep my gecko in was only $9 at walmart. That's not a tremendous amount of money, even if you save up change to do it. And no, most people living on their own and paying bills could not afford a larger tank with all the works, but why would you have pets if you can't afford to treat them right? Could you guiltlessly keep a cat without being able to afford food and vet bills? It's not the fishs' fault if she can't afford a bigger tank, so why should the results be pushed on them?
And Luria: I'm glad to hear you're getting a bigger tank. If the pleco is a common, it will grow 18-24 inches. The cichlid will grow as well, and may not be a community fish. That, plus tetras are very active swimmers and need enough open space to be happy and healthy. Try for at least a twenty gallon. Like Falina said, you can find great prices for used tanks on craigslist.
Okay, that's a lot of cents, sorry. I'm done now.