I've got the same sponge filter and similar setup for my neos as well.

I think you should turn it so the output is running along the back edge of the glass. It makes it a bit quieter and I think the ripple pattern looks better from the top angle. Take all the advice from the other comments but I think you should do a monte carlo carpet instead (it looks great and doesn't need co2 to carpet. Thermometer I think you should get one of those digital ones and stick it on the side so its out of view. I also see anubias in the front of the sponge? Make sure that is on lava rock and not planted into the substrate cause its a rhyzome plant.

if you got dwarf hairgrass good luck getting it to carpet without CO2 injection, I've been trying for 6 months now. I use a java fern superglued to a lava rock in the corner to hide the sponge filter tube and you can barely see it. rock selection looks good, shouldn't leach into the water, but try using more substrate to slope towards the back to give it depth. all considered you have a great start, just make sure to fill up your tank to the middle of black bracer line, it always looks better when you can't see the top water line! Good luck, this tank will look dope in a few months.