New to cichlids

Now, I probably won't be getting to this idea until the fall, IF then even. But I don't think it's ever too early to start asking questions!

My biggest question is: What is a good place to start? I've only kept 10-gallon tanks before as that's the limit for my dorm room. What I'd really like is some N. brichardi in a 30G, but if it would be easier a couple rams or shell-dwellers would be cool too (maybe in a smaller tank if possible?)

I'm a big fan of live plants, but if I read correctly most of them would be dug up pretty quick.

So essentially, the whole shebang; what should I expect to be looking at for filtration, temperature, pH (and how do I keep the pH consistently up? I'm still clueless on that), rocks, substrate, live/fake plants and any other possible fish that could go with them. I have done a little bit of reading on all of this stuff, but I just like to get a second opinion just to be sure! Thank you!

Okay, cool! I feel like that's what I'll want to do...I wonder if my LFS would take some of the juvies off my hands if it ever got too crowded.

If someone should happen across this thread again, I'm very curious about the rockwork that needs to go into a cichlid tank. Is there any specific rocks that are best, or can I just use some big stones from the stream in my backyard? Also, how much rock is enough, and how much is too much. I don't want to crack a tank in the process of decorating. I've read that both gravel and sand are fine, I imagine I'll go for a darker, bigger substrate as I'm not a big fan of sand.