Loaches?! They love digging, no? I agree with warman, the catfish will likely be your biggest problem as they like to dig, eat and bully their way around the tank but YOU'll NEVER KNOW TILL YOU TRY!
If you want to give the plants a try I would put some hearty plants and strategically place them along the back glass (out of the way). Anubias, java fern, swords are all pretty hearty and can take a beating. Don't be discouraged if they uproot a plant every now and then, just replant them and hopefully the fish will learn to live in harmony. If those plants work you can slowly start introducing more variety.
I bought a plant bundle package from Aquatic Plant Central. It came with 20+ varieties for $20 shipped. I recommend something similar. This way you get to try out many plants and see which ones survive. Just make sure you read up on aquatic plant care first (lighting, Carbon, Temperature, nurtients), so you don't waste your money.
Good luck! Everything worth doing takes a little leap of faith to get there.
