I think I will skip the plants for now. I don't want anything else I am going to have to try to keep alive. I am ready to just throw in the towel. The husband won't let me though so I will keep trying.
don't give up! the hobby is REALLY EASY if you just keep simple things in mind.
1) don't take advice from fish storekeepers, they are generally wrong and only want your money.
2) most experienced posters/keepers on this site, like me will recommend to you the safest, easiest methods for fishkeeping, meaning we will give you the adequate stocking suggestions on what kind of fish you can keep based on what size tank you have, etc. Others may say things like you can keep cichlids in a 20-30G tank. While this may have proven cases, it is generally difficult and has a higher fail %, so we do not recommend it. I can see how getting advice online can be tedious because everyone has different opinions, but do not fully explain the possible outcomes or guarantees.
3) Start in this order for next time.
1 --> Research the fish you are interested in. See if they fit your budget based on caring for them such as food, and necessary equipment (tank heater, filter, rocks/caves, driftwood, plants, etc) Don't forget a water test kit. Get the master kit, as test strips are quite faulty.
2 --> Put everything together on paper and see if it works. Fish compatibility stocking issues, etc.
3 --> Get all the hardware first. Set up your tank, heater, filter, add water and begin your cycle. A fishless cycle is easier because you risk losing NO fish, and it doesn't take as long. Takes about a month. With no fish, you will need a source of bacteria. Stores sell bottled cycling fluid to get you started. Other experts know the right kind, I've had tanks for over a year and my first one was a fish in cycle, i managed to use bacteria from that tank to jumpstart my other tank. If you still have your fish, you are going through what is known as a fish-in cycle. Do regular water changes I would say 2-3 times a week about 25% and get that water test kit so you can monitor the ammonia/nitrate/nitrite levels. You should be having an ammonia spike right now, and the water changes will help keep it down. Eventually everything will settle down and the A/N/N levels will drop to near 0, this could take months to complete. So until then you will need to watch your tank carefully. Even after it cycles you should be changing the water on a weekly basis. How much depends on the bioload in your tank.
Hope this helps, and goodluck. Don't give up, but be selective of the advice you tank and know the possible outcomes/consequences for every choice.