ELI5: What products do I need for a healthy betta tank (stress coat, algae control, etc.)?

Hi! So I've had my betta fish for six months. I have a heater, aquarium pebble substrate, mopani driftwood, a little betta hide, a nerve snail, almond leaves, and Amazon Sword Plants (Echinodorus Bleheri) in his Fluval 5 gallon tank (looking to upgrade to a 10 gallon tank soon). I do a 25-50% water change once a week with the gravel vacuum, and add water conditioner and a few drops of API PH Down (my tap water seems to have naturally higher PH, so I've found water parameters work better if I automatically add the PH Down).

However, my plants slowly deteriorated in the tank, got slimy and gross, and there was so much algae. I ended up having to completely remove the plants last night because the algae was so out of control. I think the plants may have been dying because I don't turn on my tank light for very long every day (betta seems to hate it).

I want to give my little dude (Pancake) the best life, but am still learning. So, HELP!

What add ins can I buy to enhance my tank? I'm talking the API bottles of add-ins (would algae control help? Stress coat? Root tablets to help the plants grow? What plants are best? I'm thinking floating to help block the light? Do I need different substrate? So many questions.

Also, my guy is not very bright. If I drop a pellet of food in, he usually has trouble seeing it because he's too excited looking at me about to feed him. I'm thinking a feeding ring would help with this? So he knows where to find his food every time.

Bonus points if you give me a clear list, because I've researched this to death and am so overwhelmed lol.

Also, recs for a ten gallon tank? I don't love my Fluval tank. I think my betta would benefit from a bubble filter, and a light that's on a timer (mine doesn't have the option).