Intro, and asian biotope suggestions

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Evan and I work for a small public aquarium. I have extensive experience with SW, from high tech reef tanks, to large elasmobrach systems, to cold water. I have some experience with FW systems (mainly raising anurans), but have never had a planted tank. I'm glad I found this forum. I've already learned quite a bit more about planted FW systems than I previously knew, including how successful low-tech planted tanks can be! :icon_smil

For some time I have had no real desire to have a tank at home, as I'm doing maintenance on systems all day at work. However, I have always wanted to set up a small, low maintenance Asian themed tank, and try my hand at breeding gouramis and/or shrimp. I have a few possible tanks to start this in, and wanted suggestions on which to go with, as well as plants to use.

I have a 7 gal. bowfront, and a standard ten gallon (I also have a 45 gal. that I could use, but I think I would like to start with a smaller system first, and I currently don't have any lighting for the 45). I am leaning toward the bowfront for aesthetic purposes. I was planning on using a 13-20 watt screw-in CF in a desk lamp, and a small HOB filter (not sure the brand off the top of my head). I am planning on putting java fern and/or java moss in, but would like a couple other low-light SEA species that would complement the tank, and provide some visual depth. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

One other question - With little fauna bioload in the tank, would a small powerhead with a sponge pre-filter be sufficient if I chose not to use the HOB filter? I would rather not have that bulky thing on there, and don't really want to invest in a canister filter if I don't have to.

Thanks in advance!

-Evan