36 Gal First Time Set up!

[Wild]

Santa brought a lovely new 36 Gal bow front tank today! Only thing to do now is, well everything!

I was planning on doing a tropical freshwater tank, with maybe live plants in the future?

I really like the look of black or white sand, but i'm not sure on sand, since i have always used gravel..

And then the fun part, stocking!
yeah i really have no clue...

So far i have-
1 Dwarf Gourami
1 Angelfish
2 Cockatoo Apistos
+1-2 schools of smaller fish

OR

2 Bolivian Rams
+Assorted Rainbow fish
+1 small schooling fish

I can't seem to find any small schooling fish i like, i don't like hatchet fish, most tetras i don't like, most barbs seem to have aggression issues(Thinking cherry or black ruby), i like Danios Danios but they are itty bitty...So if anyone can suggest some fish, please do!!

Also what are so good, tall plants to put in? and any specific kinds of rocks that work well in freshwater?

Thanks guys!