I like the planted tank idea as well. I like a whit sand contrasted with darker cave rock and darker plants.. the white sand makes the color of the fish stand out too..
if you like catfish then get some pictus catfish thats what im gunna do once i set up my pond next year and put my 2 channel catfish,8 green sunfish and 1 goldfish im gunna get a small school of pictus and they r only 6" when fully grown