What To Stock?

[AmazonFTW]

I have an 18x12x12" tank going spare. I would love to stock it after Christmas - if I'm allowed to, and I am wondering what to stock.
I want the fish to be:
South/Central American,
Oddballs or Cichlids,
Small (of course),
Easy to care for,
Great looking,
NOT Apistos.

If it will work I will buy a small shoal of fish to go in with them and maybe some Pygmy Corydoras.
I can also use R.O water if the fish require it although it would be easier to just keep it cheap.

Thank you,
AmazonFTW

(If you have any pictures of a tank of a similar size I would love to see it)

 

[anwhyte]

40l would be too small for SA cichlids, or probably any cichlids. Dwarf puffers might be a possibilty but you'll have to ask on the oddball or brackish forums.

 

[KittyKat]

I was going to suggest dwarf puffers as well. If you want something completely different, another option would be a pico reef with only corals, of course.

 

[mikeyy_lol]

If you're looking for a small shoaling fish then celestial pearl danio (galaxy rasbora) are great and only get to a centimetre or 2 long.