Setting up 30 Gallon - Stockng question

I have been considering turning my community 30 gallon into a Cichlid tank for the past year or so, and am now in the process of upgrading equipment (filter) and researching a new bottom substrate (seriously considering pool sand). Also, I am planning on upgrading the tank to either a 55 or 75 gallon either late fall or early next year.

I would like to keep the few community fish I have remaining which consist of 2 Zebra Danios, 2 Neon Tetras, a 1.5 inch red-tail "shark", and a 2+ inch Pictus catfish. I know the Pictus is going to be too large for the tank, but I rescued him from a neighbor who had him in a 5 gallon over a year ago.

I would like to get 2-3 Yellow Labs for the tank, with the thought of adding more variety of cichlids when I get the larger tank...and then keeping the community fish in the 30 gallon.

Firstly, will the Yellow Labs fare well in this size of a tank for the year? Also, comments on mixing these species with the existing fish. I am rather attached to the current fish as I have had them for almost 2 years now (except the Pictus). However, I am serious about moving toward a Cichlid population and could turn the fish over to the fish store.

EDIT: FYI, Need to update my signature. No longer planted and while some of the fish remain (listed above) the others have passed on over the last 2 years.

Thanks!

Thank you for the responses. I do have a couple follow up questions, for clarification purposes. Also, because I do have my heart set on the Yellow Labs and adding to the the cichlid population with fish of like size and temperment once I upgrade to the 55 or 75 gallon in less than a year.

If I were to move the Neons and Zebras to a smaller 10 gallon, would this then be acceptable? Also, with respect to tank size, I have to think that a 30 gallon would be sufficient for 2-3 Yellow Labs if they are small, again for less than a year. However, the reason I am posting here is because you are the experts, not me.

Ok, three people have now said it is a bad idea. I'll hold off on the Yellow Labs. However, Lab_Rat mentioned Apistos, Kribs, and Rams. I know I had been interested in Apistos and Rams in the past so I'll start researching them again. I think they are going to be a bit more of a challenge in finding them and I am not available to receive them via shipping.

Since this thread is already started, I'll ask some general questions about stocking and tank set-up. I was planning on changing to a sand bottom...is this a good idea for this variety of fish? Of the three mentioned, which are the easiest to maintain? Also, I am not looking to breed though the occasional surprise of new fish is not a bad thing...occasionally...

Finally, the reason I was drawn to the yellow lab is because of their personalities as well as their bright coloring, making them a centerpiece. Which of the above would be the best centerpiece?

Thanks again. This has always been a great place to get info.

EDIT: I should also mention that the water in my area is relatively hard and I do not like to treat water with chemicals.

Thanks for the info! The only remaining question is substrate. I guess I am not completely stuck on getting sand, but I do want a change from the substrate I now have (<----in my picture). What is ideal for these fish?