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The mites are aquatic Oribatid mites (family Oribatidae). https://www.mdfrc.org.au/bugguide/display.asp?type=9&class=16&subclass=41&couplet=0 They are slow to reproduce and generally rare in aquaria which suggests that through good tank hygiene the population will decline naturally. I know you want the biofilm for you shrimp but I suggest clean the glass and clean the filter more often and at least for a few weeks I'd replace leaf material (e.g. mulberry or oak or indian almond) more often so you're removing the old leaves before they have broken down too much and this will remove any mites that are also feeding on them. Once the mites have gone you can let the tank get a bit dirty again.

Good job Simon. Finding out more is always a good idea. @stephenong0288, the more info you can give us the better advise we can give you. In general, Reverse Osmosis and rain water are good ways of reducing TDS. Even tap water can be used if your tap water TDS is 150 or below.

There are slow growing mosses but they all seem to grow too well in my tanks, always discarding or giving the stuff! The easiest way (may not be the cheapest) is to superglue the moss to the wood rather than trying to tie it on. It needs to be non toxic and aquarium safe though! CO2 I wouldn't bother with, too many people have problems that stop as soon as they stop using it so best not to waste time and money? Simon