For a 20H I would filter it with a Aquaclear 200 and a corrner sponge filter (dirt magnet). A good quality100W submergible heater will be needed.
While the tank is cycling you can find which cichlid you really want or maybe have your LFS get something uncommon. A few idea would be Rams, Laetacara dorsigerus or curviceps, Herotilapia multispinosa (rainbow cichlid), Keyholes, Cryptoheros nanoluteus, Cyptoheros sp. Honduran red points, Apistos, Basically any cichlid that doesnt get more than 4.5"-5" for a male if you want a pair. If you want a small community you could have a ram, a keyhole and a curviceps, I would stay away from Cryptoheros for a community tank.
I dont know alot about Africans but you could get some kribs (Pelvicachromis sp.), Tanganyika shell dwellers, or lionheads.
Just make sure your tank is ready and has the correct parameters ( some speices are more delicate than others)
Keep us updated with your progress and choices