what kind of small, easy to take care of, pet that i could keep in a relitively small tank. besides fish?

cricket, lizard, iguana, turtle etc..

Iguanas need more than a tank... they need climbing space and ventilation, and get huge and aren't good beginner reptiles... Turtles require 10 gallons of water per inch of carapace (top shell) length, basking area, UVB lighting, heat lamp, major filtration, and a varied diet... and most species that are readily available in the pet trade get quite large...

Please research any suggestions people give you... and could you narrow down what kind of pet you might want?

Hermit crabs are good for small tanks and they don't require that much plus they are fun to watch.

ooh get a turtle or lizard. I prefer turtles.

hermit crabs, geckos or something like a mouse if theres enough room

a Guinea pig, mice, chinchilla, ferret, spider, or snake.