For a tank with sand check out Malayian trumpet snails, Pond snails and rams head snails don't stand a chance against my bettas. With plants I like to keep a few snails in my bowls and tanks but the bettas sees them as a side order to pellets. Mystery snails and apple snails should both be ok with the betta.
i will have a look at the local store and see what they have ! both ideas sound like fun.. ill think of something. my girl friend named the fish now i feel like i have to keep it alive no matter what haha..