I have recently set up a 29 gallon myself. $250 just for fish???
If thats the case, you will most likely spend the bulk of that money on aquarium supplies (water conditioners, supplements, food, gravel cleaner, filter cartridges, decorations, etc)
In my 29 gallon, I currently have 4 Serpae Tetras and 4 tiger barbs and I will be adding a few more fish soon (bottom feeders)
I originally wanted to set up a small cichlid tank (Electric Yellows and such)but decided that it might be easier to set up a tropical community. A 29 gallon is very versatile and you will not find any source on the internet that would say a 29 gallon is perfect for these fish. Just make sure that you do not overstock the tank (1.5 gal per inch of fish).
Did you have any specific fish that you would like to try??