I've actually been planning on picking up some of these guys for a while. Your question just prompted me. I'm getting some of the philanders to try. I plan on keeping them in my heavily planted 65 gal tank with a breeding group of angelfish. I've had apistos in there before, so I'll let you know how they do.
Shellies are fun. I've got those too...I've had occies in the past, but now only have similis. The only downside is, like most africans, they grow kinda slow.
