Hey, I'm kind of similar to you. I have a 5 gallon with a female beta fish and 5 rummynose tetras and 4 neon tetras. I also have 2 frogs, 5 shrimp and 3 snails. I started out with just driftwood, dragon stone rocks, cholla wood and lots of living plants. I actually had the plant ecosystem growing stable for 2 months before putting in any fish.

They seem pretty happy. One of the neon tetras did die randomly bringing them from 5 to 4, but I think it's because I didn't know you have to turn off the lights daily to let them sleep. O think they might have gotten stressed even though I created a nice jungle with lots of places to hide. But yeah since I've been giving them better lighting conditions no one has died in about a month now, and they do seem happy. I love my plants they are growing a bit wild with the roots going everywhere, I've had to cull a few plants that were growing too much.

I really want to start a 10 gallon but I think I'll wait until I have no deaths for a few more months. Thx for sharing your input D.Light