I am a cichlid man myself and think they are awesome and easy. plus u can keep em with the fish u mention.
also when i was 17 i had a 75gal with 6 silver dollars, 4 tinfoils , 2 bala sharks and a leperino, oh and the mandatory pleco and it was a great looking tank if i say so myself. it was easy to maintain aswell
Have you given any thought to a paludarium? With Land and water? That would be cool with Bichirs, I set one up in my 210. It turned out really well. And I put some Archer Fish too, I really enjoy it.