Stocking A 20H ?

[Alexp08]

Hello, so im here looking for some stocking advice.

So to start.
My tank is technically a 24g but there is a 4gal overflow, so filtration is not a issue. The main part is 20 Gal. The dimensions of the main tank are approximately 23"x11"x18"

With my tank im going for a clean simplistic look.

So my first question is, are there any cichlids that dont mind a rather open space? My plan is to lightly plant it in the next few weeks.
I'd also like a school of maybe neon tetras or minnows of some sort but have a pair or trio of cichlids as the center piece.

Ive been thinking about german blue rams or apistos but they both like heavy planted tanks. Ive ruled out shell dwellers as they naturally want shells and i dont want to put any in my tank.

What stocking advice would would you give me. Thanks

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[Munroco]

Water parameters? Your probably limited to apistos, rams or kribs if its soft, or some of the smaller african cichlids if its not. (which would more or less rule out tetras.
 
Don't know how I missed recommending these guys.........http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/441810-fishy-pics/
 
anomalochromis thomas

 

[Alexp08]

Oops sorry, forgot that. Ph 7.4 dgh 6

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[Byron]

Pretty much all the SA dwarf cichlids live in watercourses fairly thick with wood, be it branches, sunken logs, standing tree trunks, roots.  Usually with a layer of leaf litter over the sand/mud.  Some of these may have plants, but many do not.  Of course, during the flood season the flooded forest offers a more heavily planted environment.
 
Byron.