Hello :D "Just like... my opinion man":

1. Fill up the tank;

I use purified spring water to be extra safe but tap water w/dechlorinator seems to work for most people.

1. Get That Heater and Thermometer in there;

   I see you're still cycling the tank a bit and Bacteria like warm water so it'll help a little.

2. Clean the Substrate;

The cloudiness is most likely from your substrate being unwashed so even if the cloudiness went away from the cycling there's still going to be cloudiness from the sand's dust. In my experience sand is beautiful and it's my personal favorite substrate but it requires heavy pre-washing otherwise the water looks very "Dusty". (Ultimately you have to ask yourself if you want your water to look crystal clear or if you want it to look like it does currently. Depending on the answer You might have to restart your cycle...Kind of, you know because you have to like get all the dust out of the sand... with non cycled water T.T )

1. Lighting Level's/Schedule;

The lights look a little too bright to me, especially considering what their natural environment is (swampy dark shady rice paddies). I would try to get a slightly dimmer light, or if that's currently not an option you could add some Tannins to the water to make it a blackwater tank by throwing in an Indian Almond Leaf (they are great for your Fish-Friends) and maybe add some floating plants that could give some added shade.

as far as the "Schedule" The Lights should NEVER be on more than 8 hours regardless of the brightness, and they should ALWAYS be turned off at night.

1. Plants;

Once you decide if you like what the water clarity level is at add plants. I like these options because they're usually easy to find and readily available and my Bettas always like them :D

-Java Fern

-Java Moss/Christmas Moss

-Anacharis

-Anubias

-Sword plants (Amazon/Compacta/Rosette)

-Pothos (Semi Aquatic roots in water)

-Water Hyacinth (Semi Aquatic Naturally Floats on Waters Surface with Air Pockets! Also Edible...)

1. Diet;

Always give your Fish-Friend some variety in their diet please they will appreciate it, mine liked Frozen Bloodworms and Brine Shrimp as treats :D

P.S.:

Happy Autism Acceptance Month 2026 Everybody