I got a fish tank last September, nothing but problems and questions!?

STOP BUYING FISH!

Forgive the outburst, but all your problems could have been avoided had you just done the research. You have exasperated yourself needlessly which happens far too often in this hobby.

1. Not a single fish you have purchased has been suitable for a ten gallon tank. Examples-

-The bare minimum for a single oscar is 55 gallons.

-The bala shark is a schooling fish with an adult size of 12"-14". They require 100-150 gallons.

-Cichlids in general are not suitable. They grow large, are aggressive, and produce too much waste for a ten gallon to handle.

Please use this site to stock your ten gallon- http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/10_GallonFor

2. Take care of your water and you take care of the fish. Water quality is key. You need to purchase an aquarium test kit to monitor ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.

You say you have a pump, but what about a filtration system? A filter is essential for fish keeping.

Please understand the nitrogen cycle- http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

3. For a properly stocked aquarium the usual recommendation is a 25% partial water change using a gravel siphon which you use to vacuum the substrate and remove water. For an overstocked aquarium multiple partial water changes should be done weekly to maintain water quality.

You have so many problems. First, you did not cycle your tank before adding fish. It took my 50 gallon tank 5 weeks to cycle. Result? No dead fish. Second, you added incompatible fish to an incompatible sized tank. When you pick out fish, read about them. Even the description on the store tanks will tell you if they are community fish, semi aggressive or aggressive. Don't ignore that! (Imagine sharing a room with a mass murderer. Your angel fish did and they do know that i.e. instinct!) Tanks are coded for a reason and you have to select fish of the same type. There are so many websites for compatible fish that list those that can live together. Stick in whatever category you choose to have. The dirty tank situation... visit a local "real" fish store. Not Walmart. And tell them your problems and get help. Their advice is free because they want you to shop there. Take a water sample with you so they can test it to tell you what the problem is. BUY TEST STRIPS. And READ about this hobby or you will kill a whole 'lotta fish.

PS Don't let the research seem like a drag. It can add to the fun if you find a fish you want that is compatible and you have to search for it. It took me a year to find a leporinus fasciatus but he's awesome. (I have a semi aggressive tank.) Don't get frustrated, you can become very educated in this if you try.

Yeah if youre beginner on fish try sticking onto easily maintainable and hardier fish like gold fish and work your way up. If youre gonna take care of cichlids you first of all need a bigger tank. your tank will only hole up to 2-4 fish depending on size. If you wanna clean the tank just use a gravel vacuum and maintain the water by giving it monthly or routine changes. Your fish may be dying from a territorial issue or just due to the quality of its conditions. Observe the fish and see if any of them got scratches and bits of fin missing. Then its definately a agressive thing. I suggest getting a bigger tank and a better envoironment if youre gonna stay with cichlids.

Well, if you are willing to monitor and keep track of the salt levels, a salt water aquarium is really enjoyable to have. And about carnivores, you mean sharks and such? They can be mixed with some fish, at your local pet shop just look to see what fish can act as tank mates and will not turn in to a meal, hope this helps.

Your tank is WAYYYY too small for all your fish. you need to do a massive upgrade if you wanna keep. do a 50 % water change but i really recommended getting a bigger tank; they need lots of rrom and hiding places. Angel fish Balas and Oscars all get big. do some research on a fish before you get them, that always helps me, because you dont want to end up harming your fish

well ur tank is big enough but get fish that u know that can actually b toghether like gold fish or a shark or ell it would work n also buy a tank cleaner wuch will help u c them better 2