75 freshwater tank

[Malvos]

Hi again, a few years ago I got some help setting up a cichlid tank and could use some advice again.  I've since moved and had to give away the cichlids so now have an empty 75 gallon tank that I'd like to stock, this time with a bit more relaxed community of tropical fish.  Are there local breeders for this type of fish (I bought my cichlids from an OVAS member last time) or are the pet stores the best option?  I'm very close to the west end location of Big Al's so thought that would likely be where I go.

I would like put a good mix of fish, a school or two of tetras/barbs/danios with maybe some more interesting centerpieces and some corys for cleanup.  This is where I'm really open to suggestion, especially on school size; i.e is 10-15 a good size for these little fish?

I have an ehiem pro 3 filter and some other jets and the tank is a few days into a fishless cycle.  I am using pool filter sand as the substrate as recommended by a rep at Big Al's.