hey, so for christmas ive been looking to get myself a standard 65g (36x18x24). The filters that i would use are a penguin 350, and a rena xp3. My well waters natural pH is 8.5, so that shouldnt be a problem. Now, my problem is what to put in it. my favs. of this list are the calvus, the brichardi, and the leleupi.

Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Neolamprologus sexfasciatus
Altolamprologus compressicep
Neolamprologus leleupi
Lamprologus tretacephaleu
Altolamprologus calvus
Neolamprologus brichardi
Julidochromis marlieri
??striped rapheal cat??

With this list of species, what would my best bet for stocking be, while trying to have the most color, and activity?

sand or gravel?
plants or no plants? (fake)
what kind of bottom dweller would work best? if i can have one at all.
what kind of rock? can i use slate, or other flat ish stones to make caves?

thanks for any info that you have, hope to hear from you soon,
meg.