Like you I am working on my first live plant tank, looks like you have done some research. I have ghost shrimp and mostly see them out at night. I have neon, red eye and ember tetras they like to shoal so I would suggest at least 6 tetras instead of 2 in your tank. I have a 55 gallon tall tank and placed a large penn plax castle in the center. I have had some melt issues and a golden mystery snail that likes to go after some of my plants. I also add some marimo moss balls-the shrimp seem to like them and they are good for the water quality.