Fluvals are fine. I always used a couple of Emperor 400's and they worked great. If you are looking into Malawi's, stay away from the Mbuna unless you plan to really pack them in tight. They are very aggressive, especially towards each other. If you pack them in tight, they seem to do a little better.

I prefer the peacocks, they are very colorful and not too aggressive. Check out www.armkes.com. He has some cool stuff and is just up in New Braunfels. Keegan knows his stuff and he gets in some rare fish. Yellow labs go with just about everything.

As far as plastic plants go, they are fine, you will just need to replant them every now and then.