Just trying to help you avoid what would undoubtedly be an unhappy outcome. With very few exceptions, Tanganyikans just don't lend themselves to the kind of setup you have in mind.Your just full of good news, lol. I appreciate the advice. I am just researching before I do anything. The shell dwellers have always intrigued me but wanted upper tank movement too. Some splash of color would be nice in that lower 30 gallon also. Maybe I might be better off with apistos or dwarf pike… IDK but I do need to reome the two trimac first.
That said, there are many dwarf cichlids, either Neotropical of West African, that would be perfect for the kind of tank you're describing. Apisto's are awesome little fishes, and there are many diverse species to choose from, but they can be demanding, and are only at their best in heavily planted tanks. If you want to stick with Neotropicals, I would think that Laetacara would be a happier choice (pun intended; sorry).
Riverine cichlids from West Africa would be another possibility. Pelvicachromis or Nanochromis are the obvious choices, with different species ranging from easy to challenging, depending on your preference. These fishes would be very happy in a tank with lots of rocks and caves, which seems to be part of your plan. But don't forget Anomalachromis, lovely fishes that get a bit larger than most other West African dwarfs, but are very peaceful and undemanding. Many possibilities here...
Anomalochromis thomasi-