On the shrimp, I will bow to those with direct experience. I've only once had shrimp, they arrived in the bag with pygmy corys as it happened. I've never really considered shrimp only because most prefer moderately hard water (for the calcium for the exoskeleton) which I do not have, but also I think they would get eaten in most of my tanks. So whatever others suggest re shrimps, OK with me.
On the moss balls, I've never really liked these, and I have heard what Mark said, so this is up to you.
To your other plants, Echinodorus species (Amazon swords) come in many species with differing leaf shapes. But, there are also plants sold in stores that are "swords" and not Echinodorus. And some of these are not aquatic but true terrestrial. With a photo if possible someone may be able to identify them for you.
Vallisneria is a nice plant, fairly fast growing, so this is good for the cycling issue. I would get some floaters though, as you will need them anyway. Water Sprite is perhaps my favourite, but others are Water Lettuce, Frogbit, and some of the stem plants make good floaters. I especially like Brazilian Pennywort here.
No mention has been made of your lighting and that obvious impacts plants. While they are very general and subjective terms, we usually classify plants as low, moderate or bright light requiring. Valls and true swords are moderate to bright but will do fine in moderate (which is what I stay with). The floaters I mentioned are OK with moderate too.
You may need some fertilizers. We talked about GH previously, and left it that you probably have moderately hard (or harder) water, so no issues here with these plants or the shrimp.
Byron.
