-Wise1- Heads up if you decide to go with south american cichlids your choices are slim. Not because they are hard to find but, their diet, tank mates and space become major factors. If you get oscars for example you can only keep oscars as tank mates. BORING. Also, all cichlids pretty much dig shit up so say good bye to those plants. Try anubis plants, java fern, and african ferns. These plants can grow on almost any surface. Drift wood and bulk rock I found to be the best. South American cichlids get big quik as fuck.So, they can rearange a small tank in less than a hour. If you are stuck on Americas cichlids look into Central Americas and Brazilian stuff. Since you say you are saving up for a 55gal. Read up on Lake Malawi or Lake Tangenika. Lake Malawi is more well known, more distributed and alot cheaper. VERY AGRESSIVE for their size which means tons of action. I personaly started out on those. For information on enviroments go to cichlidfurum.com. Don't let your money burn a hole in your pocket. Research this shit. Your gonna be doing this shit for years to come.
Also, For the big tanks. Check flea markets, garage sales, craigslist, forum sites, e-bay etc etc. My cuzzin got a 175gal fully stocked for $200. Shop around....................... ;)