MP,
The cichlids you are keeping, how much digging will they do? If they are diggers, say goodbye to most rooted plants. From what I've heard, Java fern tastes terrible, and cichlids may leave it alone. Again, more word of mouth, many cichlids just get offended by the presence of plants and rip them to shreds just because of their basic temperment.
I know this isn't much help, but I'd hate to see you spend a buch of bucks on plants and watch yer fish destroy them.
Wow, put a hold on what I've said. I just checked out Travis Simonson's tanks! MP, you need to talk to him, his tanks look great w/plants and Mbunas! I'm outta my league here!