Thanks for the replies! I have been on the Seahorse.org site, but I posted here becuase I felt the information the members discussed was very relevent. I have the 10g set up and it has begun to cycle, but I had considered not actually getting the horses until I have the Ciclids set up in their new tank too so that I don't have to switch the tanks with the ponies already here. My Ciclids only use the bottom of the 28g, so it will be a better match for them in a long wide tank. I am in no hurry, my big concern is the right environment and tankmates. Since you mention plants are difficult, I think some nice fake ones will make a good start!
Thanks again for the replies....I'm off to Seahorse.org to read some more...
Sunshine