Question - Shell Dweller Tank Mates

I am madly trying to figure out what Cichlid species to try in a 29 Gallon tank that's been running for a almost 3 months now. I'm seriously considering Multis in the tank. It's a tall tank, so I'm really wanting to have something interesting to inhabit the top as the Shell Dwellers seem to stick to the bottom half of the tank.
What sorts of top of the tank fish would be good? I currently have 4 Zebra Danios and a Dwarf Gourami in there. I'd really like something a little more interesting and coloful than the Zebras. Can the DG stay in there? He's been moved multiple times and I hate the thought of moving him again. He's really a big baby and I've never really seen him go after any fish, including smaller Rams and Corys that he used to be in a tank with.

 

I have a colony of multis.
I don’t believe any species should be in with them .
Definitely not cherry shrimp.
My local shop has a BN pleco in with them . I believe that is one of the reasons the shop fails to breed them .
LRB had endlers for a while? I am not sure how that worked out long term for him . My guys cleaned up the endlers pretty quick. A dwarf gourami would look out of place. The size is wrong. I believe he would be stressed by attackers day and night.

My 83 litre /22 gallon is 470 mm / 18 inches tall .
My fish will rise to the surface momentarily to feed but most of the time are in the lower 2/3 .

A warning . They breed like rabbits. You should have a way of getting rid of the offspring before you start a tank in my opinion.

 

Well that helps me with several things, so thank you! I'm ok with having them alone in the tank...I just didn't want to have a boring and lifeless top half.

I know a DG wouldn't look normal with the Shellies, but I wasn't sure how they would get along. I definitely don't want to overly stress him out.

 

When you have over a hundred adults and juveniles with dozens more babies around the shells IMO it looks good to have a little free water.
Walk up to the tank and they all rise up looking for food. Then one moves and they all dart back to half way.
I am currently doing two water changes a week. Just saying you need to be able to get rid of the offspring. Seriously.

 

Point taken. I will figure that out first. Thank you!!