Display a tally (in varying bases)

Python 2 - 111 108 119 144 140 136 135 134 - Try it

Ok, let's give it a try:

i=input()
n,b=[(i,5),i][i>[]]
o=b-1
a=[n,n%b][b>1]*' |'
m=(b>1)*n/b
s=(' |'*o+'  ')*m+a
print(s+'\n'+('-+'*o+'- ')*m+a+'\n'+s)*(b*n>0)

Edit: I've overlooked that there should be no output if n==0 or b==0. This costs me 11 characters. :(

Edit: Ok, after fixing the second issue mentioned in the comments my solution basically converged to the one from BeetDemGuise.

Bash, 239 228 199 189 188

Here's my attempt, it could be golfed a lot.

Note: the second line does not subtract 5 from 2, it sets a default value if $2 is empty!

n=$1
b=${2-5}
((n<1&b<1))&&exit
while ((n>b&b>1));do
n=$[n-b]
x+=\
y+=-
for i in `seq $[b-1]`;{
x+='| '
y+=+-
}
x+=\
y+=\
done
for j in `seq $n`;{
x+=' |'
y+=' |'
}
echo -e "$x\n$y\n$x"

CJam 103 85 72 characters

Try it at http://cjam.aditsu.net/.

original

q","/(i:A\_,{~i}{;5}?:B_@*{(_{" |"*S"l"++AB/*AB%}{;MA}?\:J" |l""-+ "er\" |"*N+_J\+@2$+@J\+++"l"Ser}{;}?

Works by defining one set of tallys with spaces, lines and an l for spaces that should remain spaces. Then takes advantage of er (tranliteration) function to make the second line. Most inefficient part is dealing with the 1 and 0 special cases. Will edit as I improve it. Tip I took too long to realize: as the second input being 1 is the same as infinity or the first input +1, redefining it when it is equal to 1 saves alot of work.

most improved so far with comma delimited

l",":G/(i:A\_5a?~i:B_@*{(_" |":K*\{SG++AB/*AB%}{A}?\_KG+"-+ "er[\GSer_@@M]\K*N+*}{;}?

most improved so far with space delimited input

Naturally as CJam is really designed for space delimited input. Placing the input at 20 3 instead of 20,3 is a huge benefit.

ri:Aq_5s?S-i(_)A)?:B*{B(" |":K*STs++ABmd@@*_K"-+"er[\_@@M]\K*N+*TsSer}M?