I know you said no cichlids, but you also said what would I stock it with. Angelfish!
Other than that. You could go for distocodus and a nice school of Congo tetras with some species of synodontis. Perhaps even a ctenopema and butterfly fish.
A semi planted tank with head standers could look cool. With large teras or silver dollars.
Barbs and loaches.
Gouramis- all the different kinds in one tank.
If it's bigger fish you looking for then how about bichirs?
Black ghost knife
Ever consider a fancy goldfish tank??
Or if you are up to it. A nice brackish tank could be awesome.
Hope that helps.