New Tank

[Scales]

After much analysis, I am going to set up my old 54 at my office. I toyed with the idea of a SWFO or reef, but don't want the hassle of mixing saltwater here for the water changes, plus the tinkering time that seems to be required for my saltwater tanks. I am going to try a FW tank, something I have not kept since the early 90's. I have had tanks since I was a kid (some would disagree as to whether I have outgrown this label) and have been successful with the standard community type tanks. I do not have a great amount of experience with plants...none with cichlids.

Now for the questions:

1. Anyone have any recommendatiuons for a cichlid tank of this size? I see very colourful smaller specimens at the LFS, but there are so many types that I am having difficulty determining what could be kept together in a tank of this size...aggression management?? I assume that reef sand be used as a substrate (I have some sand in the garage that could be put to use)?

2. If I go with the standard community type tank, I want to try some plants. Are there any substrate recommendations, particularly sourcing gravel from somewhere other than the LFS? With respect to lighting, I was going to run 3 or 4 NO bulbs, 2 6500K (from Home Depot) and 1 or 2 actinic to balance the visual appeal of the tank...

Any comments or recommendations are apprecietd.

Trevor