Watch it if you go for the bumbleebee cats as there are 2 species often found under that name and one is quite aggressive. The easiest way (IMO) to distinguish them quickly, is by looking at the tail - the aggressive one has a deeply cleft, scissor-like tail while the peaceful one has a speckled delta-shaped tail. In reality, they look very different, but with the confusion with names, sometimes they can be mistaken.
Also, loaches aren't limmited to clowns...
Have you considered some khulies? I could show you some pictures that would make you fall in love with them instantly but finding them (search this forum) is another matter
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Are you planning on including some kind of schooling fish? I'd go for harlquin rasboras
Nice tank BTW - can't wait to see it ready and fully stocked.
And I think your descision to go for what's best for your fish is admirable considering you would have preffered an oscar yourself.