Gosh, thanks everyone! Such creative ideas! I think I'm going to mull it over for a day or two so I don't rush into something and then wish I'd done something else. (I like to bond with my fish so I want to be sure of who I get. )
I would say skip the Figure 8 puffer as even as a singleton it wouldn't work for life... instead, if you want to take this route, do an aquascaped tank with maybe 2 - 3 dwarf puffers with a few cherry red shrimp and maybe 1 - 2 ottos, and you'll be good to go...
I agree 100%. I've got a planted 10gal with just celestial pearl danios, and they are probably my favorite fish. Very easy fish to keep. Though they are a far cry from a "monster" they are a hoot to watch! Mine even decided to make some babies, I didn't have to do a thing. Below is a picture of the fish (not a picture of one of mine they are a pain to photograph), and the tank I keep them in.
Oh, and if you decide to get some CPD's DO NOT order from AZgardens. I highly recommend Liveaquaria.com. I've purchased from both sites, and to make a long story short AZgardens was the worst experience I've ever had buying anything from anyone.