Aquariums: First ever real tank. Just want to talk about it a little, even if no one is listening.

Started the cycling a month ago with just plants and bacteria a month ago, then last week got a betta, a cherry shrimp, and a mystery snail. They all settle in nicely but even though the betta hasn't eaten the shrimp the shrimp looks like she's stressed and the snail has eaten all the rosanervigs. I head out today to upgrade it with some anubias, frogbit, and a little moss dome for the shrimp to hide in (and its cool) and two new shrimp: one blue one and a yellow one. New shrimp so far have settled in nicely: Betta showed some interest in them of course and has been chasing them, but I haven't seen him try and take a bite and the shrimp have gotten away each time to my knowledge. Blue shrimp actually tackled him and chased him off a few times now, and has been very brave. Yellow shrimp has either been gotten and I never saw, or more likely is just really well-camoflauged with the yellow-and-white flecks in the substrate and moss.

I've been wanting a tank for a long time. I kept tanks as a kid, but they were the awful gallon-size glass fishbowls. Those bettas didn't last long, and even though I loved them I really mistreated them as I never knew better. It took a long time to finally take the plunge and my financials aren't in a great place (getting better though) but I decided it was finally time after getting a 5 gallon with a light and filter still wrapped for free.

I made sure to do an absolute load of research, planted heavily, and have been hyperfocused on maintaining good water parameters and have been diligently checking every day. All the parameters are great and the betta is really energetic, he's swimming and exploring and is super vibrant and beautiful.

I keep getting recommended videos of other people's aquariums: Enormous, beautiful pieces with interesting and well-developed ecosystems and features. Also the photos on here, of elegant and vibrant tanks. All of those are from years of experience and practice as an aquarist. This is my first real tank, and even though its rough around the edges and needs a good scrub on the front glass (the algae scraper will be here tomorrow morning, don't worry) I've made one hell of a good first step, I think.

If you read this whole thing, thank you. Even just reading this would mean a lot to me right now.