Have a look at the cookie cutter setups on www.cichlid-forum.com/library.html
Basically your options are the aforementioned shell dwellers, a Tanganikan microcommunity(dwarf cichlids), a Species tank for something like Pseudotropheus Saulosi(about 6 adults, 1 male max), or the option of New world cichlids and their dwarf species.
Hope this helps, dont let the broken records get you down.