Betta Fish: First time Betta

Used to have aquariums growing up, but I don't think we ever truly took proper care of fish. We're looking at starting up again, and now in my 40s, am starting with a betta. Did a ton of research and decided to give it a go.

This is a 6 gallon tank kit I got on Amazon, but I ended up swapping out the light and heater for an adjustable. For substrate I used Fluval stratum and some white aquarium sand cap.

The tank started with a drift wood glued to some rocks. For plants, I stated with the anubias in the back right, a fern in the middle (they are glued to rocks), and some dwarf hairgrass. Floaters, I have some salvinia (that has quadrupled in size since; I have a tub outside with more growing) and recently added some water-propagated pothos.

I got the API master freshwater kit, and cycled the tank for about a month, adding waste (food and decayed plants) and continued to test until numbers were good. Water conditioner, supplemental bacteria, and some flourish for the plants. I've been doing water changes twice a week. Thermometer is set to 80, but it seems to hover around 79, which I presume is fine for this guy. I also added a nerite snail to help with clean up about the same time and he's been fine, except he poops a lot. I've been vacuuming it up, and the white sand seems to help.

I also added some almond leaves for tannins.

I had some biofilm on the driftwood but it seems to be clearing up over time. I have light on a medium setting about 8 hours a day.

Then, about 2 weeks ago, I added this guy, simple red tailed veiltail (which I read were hardier breeds) from a sad looking cup at the pet store. He seemed to pep up after a day, and now he seems so happy swimming around and investigating/hanging out. He's not really good with pellet food, but he seems to like omega one betta flakes and tetra bloodworms. I'm going to try some bug bites betta bites soon.

Otherwise, this is how we're going. Now about 6 weeks in, and I only have the hairgrass planed into the substrate, but I am looking for something to plant in the left rear. Any suggestions? I've seen some Brazillian Waterweed and I like how flowy it is, but I'm sorta worried about hitchhiker snails since all my plants were lab plants sans the salvinia, which so far hasn't produced any snails.

Any tips/criticism is appreciated. Thanks!