I smoke shisha pretty often, usually several times a week. I've been doing it off and on since I was back in college 10 years ago, but I picked up a lot once I had one at home.
I have two, the one in front being my newest one:
It has two other hoses, but it's only set up for one in that picture.
I have smoked several brands - Nakhla (
everybody starts with Nakhla double apple, and it is still one of the best double apples even if some of their other flavors are pretty crap), Al Fakher, Al Amir, Tangiers, Romman, Layalina, Tonic, Starbuzz... Of those, the best brand I've run across is Starbuzz. Tangiers is good too, generally, but it takes some getting used to.
I tend to use finger coals. Quicklights are a little metallic tasting sometimes and burn out too fast so I only use them when I have nothing else.