[JustOneMore20]

i really would like an algae eater if possible, are there any other species that dont get as big or are less agressive?

Yes, otocinclus are algae eaters that are not aggressive and only get about 1.5 inches. They are very sensitive to water quality though, so you'd need to have the tank cycled. Also, you need visible algae growth or they may not survive. I really don't consider them a beginner fish.

Do you have a test kit? One that has tests for ammonia, nitrIte, and nitrAte is what you need. If so, do you test your water? That is how you keep track of the cycle. I would not add any more fish until the cycle is finished.

and as far as the tetras, i understand that you typically dont mix different tetras for schools as they are different species, but would there be any other types of tetras that are maybe in the red eye catageory that would be okay to school with the headlight tail light, or are they pretty much there own species

I would get the same kind of tetra. They are schoolers, meaning they like groups...and in a 10 gallon you really only have room for 1 school of 6. Plus, you have other fish in the tank, the platies, which could reach 2-3 inches. If you want other types of tetras, I'm afraid you'll need a bigger tank. If you don't like the Head and Tailights...take it back and get 6 tetras you do like (of the same kind).

would it be okay to give them away once they get too big for the tank, or should i remove them right now

I'm not sure exactly how big Platies get. I guess there are different kinds (I'm not a livebearer person), but I've only heard 2-3 inches. IMO you could keep the 2 that you have with a school of 6 tetras and be alright. Do you know if they are male or female? If you have one of each, you could have problems with fry. I'm sure the parents will eat some of them, but if any survive, the tank will quickly become overstocked. You could keep 2 females or 2 males and the school of tetras and then later on get a couple otocinclus, once you know for sure that the tank is cycled.

what would be an ideal shrimp for a 10 gallon.

Ghost shrimp, Red Cherry Shrimp, Amano shrimp, or Red Crystal shrimp would work...the latter 3 may be harder to find though. I would try ghost shrimp. Some fish like to eat shrimp, and I'm not sure if Platies are one of those fish. Ghost shrimp are pretty cheap and easy to find, so if the platies happened to eat them, it wouldn't be too devastating for you. If you buy more expensive shrimp, you sure don't want them to end up as food.

i also heard they molt, and after they do would i need to take the skin out or would they eat it themselves?

From what I understand about shrimp, they eat their shells, so you shouldn't remove them.