Welcome! I'm Lisa. Glad you joined. My roots years ago were in freshwater, and my daughter is taking us back to freshwater right now because like you, she also wants a betta. Her tank is the all-in-one eShopps Deskmate, and with those small slot area to back chamber, I've explained how a single freshwater plant leaf falling off and sealing that overflow will cause catastrophic water overflow out of tank... so she will be going with fake plants (we're going shopping 2 LFSs after my work/her school this Monday night). There are lots of posts out on the internet about betta needs.
For her, a traditional rectangular tank with either hang on back filter (Fluval makes nice ones) or canister filter (again Fluval but also other good choices) would have been my preferred aquarium type for her had we imagined she would want to start with freshwater fish and live plants over saltwater... Your 20 gallon will be nice size for your betta and even some neon tetra friends (though betta does NOT need other fish...) others may nip (even guppy) so betta alone is fine. Like your shrimp desire, I'm hoping she will want to add some of those cute tiny freshwater shrimp (red? blue?) but I'm trying really hard not to direct her tank but let her make her own choices. That is some of the FUN! Hope you are having fun deciding, too!
Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread under Forum > Member Aquariums and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)
This might help you find people local to you:
Local Reef Club Discussion
Looking for some locals to share frags and info with? This is the place! Find a local club that meets in your area! If you want to add your club just contact us.
www.reef2reef.com
This is a good saltwater reference book type online article I still review:
The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium
This article was sponsored by @MarineDepot at www.marinedepot.com. Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is no...
www.reef2reef.com
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