46 gallon bow looking for constructive advice

[Charney]

I have a 46 g bowfront that i am setting up as kind of a show tank in a waiting room. Right now it is moderately planted and had schools of tetras. I feel it is a little too boring for now. I want to go with african cichlids for more color and activity. I know it is only a 3 foot tank,which is not ideal, but want to see what I can do with it. Originally I was thinking a small group of pseudotropheus saulosi and and a lab sp. Then throw in some peacocks to grow out. When the they get too big remove them. I am very much open to fish options from any lake. It doesn't have to be malawi. In another thread someone mentioned cyprichromis and calvus which sounded interesting. I am lookng for activity and color or interesting.

Also I have a lot of lace and lava rock to put in the tank. Is it best to do high piles the height of the tank or medium piles kind of spread out?

Thanks