New World Cichlid stocking question

[Wolfsblood]

I currently have a thriving mbuna tank and I have decided I would like to give SA/CA cichlids a go. I just purchased a 56g Marineland column tank. Not ideal I know but it is the largest tank I can fit in the space that I have. The dimensions are 30" W x 24" T x 18" D. I will be running a Cascade 1000 canister filter and an Aquatech 30-60 HOB that uses Penguin 350 media. I will be stacking slate to create caves and swim throughs. I would ideally like to house 3 fish in any combination from this list: Jack Dempsey(probably not realistic), Firemouth, Blood Parrot, and Convict. I also really like Blue Acaras and Rainbow Cichlids but I have not seen any for sale within 60 miles of me. Any fish I get will be purchased as juveniles and I will not be upgrading to a larger tank. Do you guys see any of these fish working out for me? I would like to stay away from housing just a single fish but I also want my fish to be happy. Any other suggestions? I really like fish that have the iridescent blues and greens.

I have also contemplated a single BP or firemouth in a semi-aggressive community setting. Is this asking for trouble?

 

[chew valley]

A pair of Jack Dempseys would be fine in there. You could have a JD anyway but probably with just one other fish. I have a JD and a Green Terror in a 63 gallon. Wouldn't put a blood parrot or firemouth with a JD though.

A firemouth, convict and a blood parrot would probably work out. Or you could do a firemouth, convict and a Electric Blue Jack Dempsey as they are smaller and less aggressive.

There are other smaller Cichlids that you could look at Rainbows, Salvini's, Honduran Red Points to name a few.