I want to start a african cichlid tank, because I have hard, alkaline tap water thats perfect for them. I have a 65 gallon tank, In need of a hood and lights, Any recommendations? Plus, What plants are ok for these tanks? My nitrates are high out the tap so plants keep them down. My other tanks are doing fine with high nitrates if they are planted.

I do want yellow labs, what other fish go well with these? and how many fish are normal for a 65 gallon tank? And what decor should be givin to these fish? I understand I can go look all this up, but real world answers help so much more.