If I was doing a tank that size with african cichlids, this is how I would probably stock the tank:
Bottom-
5-8 assorted Cory catfish, vary it a little bit, maybe a couple jullis, skunks, greens, whatever you like
The corys will give you plenty of activity on the bottom of the tank as well as eat most of the food the cichlids don't, they are very hardy, peaceful, and nothing messes with them because of their spines.
Mid level-
It definately depends on what you like, and what is available to you, and if you are willing to order online but... again here are my picks
4 Red Zebra Cichlids 1 male, 3 females if possible
4 Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlids 1m/3f
3-4 turquoise jewel cichlids
1 Ahli
2-3 Johanni
5 acei
3-4 YoYo Loaches, RedTail Botias, Or Clown Loaches
You could also do something like instead of a lot of 4-6 inch fish:
A pair of Frontosa, but i would still keep the corys and loaches
Top:
2 African Butterfly fish, not very colorful, kinda ugly.... but really, really cool, just make sure you have a tight fitting lid, they like to jump, its also really cool to feed them crickets
You could also do some giant danios for the top, they're also good for dithers
Once again... I'm not trying to set your tank up for you, but just throwing some ideas out there
Also as for decor maybe some rough medium size natural gravel, and plenty of natural looking rocks stacked for hiding places
