Could always try goldfish :nilly:
Lots of driftwood, some rocks, and some easy to grow plants like ambulia and java fern may be an idea? Makes for a simple and easy to maintain community. Also keep the stocking low if you want it to be really easy.
I wouldn't suggest a heavily planted tank. If it goes wrong, it really goes wrong
Thats just my experience though.
Africans as mentioned before are another option. They can be rather colorful and active. I personally prefer dwarf cichlids but everybody has their thing