new to cichlids

Question
I really didn't think that the 3 different species of cichlids were so different. Since there is a pet store near my house that has a huge assortment of African cichlids that is what I will do. There are a few that have really like but i'm not sure how big they get. I really like the electric blue cichlids, yellow lab cichlids and bumble bee cichlids. What is there full grown size and will they all get along?

What is the correct water chemestry for cichlids. My water is usually around 7.6 but in the summer it goes above 8. The kh and the gh are around 17. From what i've been told that is perfect for african cichlids.

Since I have all the correct equipment for plants, are there any plants the cichlids won't destroy. All the books say not to put plants in with cichlids but on that website they had pictures with several different anubias plants with cichlids. Anubias plants are very hard tough plants but will they work?
So, to put all this together, I would like, (if possible) cichlids that are around or smaller than 6 inches and possibly plant safe.
Thanks again for all your help and time.

Answer
Hi Bill,
Most african cichlids requrie a large tank. The more aggresive fish the bigger the tank you will need. The best choice whould be to get eletric yellows. They only get 5 in. and they are not aggresive and they probaly wont destroy your plants. With african cichlids it's not a inch per gallon it depends on how aggresive your fish are and how big of tank you have. With Eletric yellows you could probaly put 10 in there at the max! Your water is pretty good but you need to raise the pH up to 8.2. If you want more fish in your tank you might want to buy a bigger tank about 50 gallons. Good luck with your new african cichlid tank.