tank maintenance

Question
Hi Nick,
I am new to the fish tank world. I have a 14 gallon tank with some beta fish and platys. I do the weekly water 10% ratio cleaning but my water is still not clean looking. Do I need to get a vacuum for the rocks? Would you recommend one? What water treatments do you recommend? Thanks!
Jen

Answer
Betta and platies?

Those fish are not compatible. Bettas must be kept alone. I recommend either getting another tank for each of the bettas or taking them back. Sooner or later they will kill each other and the platies.

Yes, the gravel vacs are nessesary. Do not gravel vac all the tank at once though. Just vac the top of the gravel and do half the tank or so at a time.

Also, increasing to 25% twice weekly water changes is essential.

-Nick