Well, obviously I'm new to the forum, but I am also newly interested in the hobby, and am looking forward to gaining a lot of knowledge from all of you experienced fish-keepers before I even purchase a tank. 
I did have a betta fish that lived for 5 years, I kept him alone in a 20 gallon that I suppose he enjoyed. But I haven't had any pets since he passed away about 4 years ago, and I'd really like to start a new tank. I've looked around at my LFS's (I'm from the DC-Metro area) and I was disappointed in the help that I got from the staffs at them. Most of them seemed like kids who just needed the job to pay for their World of Warcraft subscription and didn't really care about fish at all. But I looked at the fish themselves, and I think I'd really like to get some Cichlids. So, starting from there, what advice can anyone give me about the fish? i.e. Which kinds of Cichlids are best for beginners?
I did have a betta fish that lived for 5 years, I kept him alone in a 20 gallon that I suppose he enjoyed. But I haven't had any pets since he passed away about 4 years ago, and I'd really like to start a new tank. I've looked around at my LFS's (I'm from the DC-Metro area) and I was disappointed in the help that I got from the staffs at them. Most of them seemed like kids who just needed the job to pay for their World of Warcraft subscription and didn't really care about fish at all. But I looked at the fish themselves, and I think I'd really like to get some Cichlids. So, starting from there, what advice can anyone give me about the fish? i.e. Which kinds of Cichlids are best for beginners?
. It'll take a bit of searching to find a good place. After living in Mass for 9 years finally found a good one. Good luck.