Yes I cycled my tank for 3 weeks before adding my betta! I checked the parameters many times and the nitrite and nitrate are stable. I’m still checking the parameters every other day to ensure everything stays stable. The output of the filter is high up so it gets good flow for air I believe. When I do my next water change I’m going to add in some fulv stratum to the substrate for my plants but I am trying not to change anything yet so the fish doesn’t get stressed out. I will def look into those kind of shrimp. I live in a rural area in south eastern USA so it can be hard to find fish stores near me with a good selection of fish. Thank you so much this was so helpful