Cichlids are really cool fish, but they are not for beginners (I'm kinda self-contradicting myself since I just started fish keeping this summer lol). You might want to start out with a 20 gallon (preferably a long) and buy a pair of German Blue Ram cichlids. I think they are pretty easy starter fish; however, usually they are sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. They enjoy some sand (you may want to look into black) and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
I currently house a female in a 10G (yes I know I have a 20G), and I will plan on moving her. You could also add some Bolivian Rams (They share the same needs as the German Blue Rams). Just make sure that you do not get a breeding pair of either species, because, like all cichlids, they will become aggressive when mating.
Hope this helps!