cleaning a tank with a 10 in. pleco that thrashes when the water is disturbed

Question
I have a 10 gallon tank with two clown loches, a guppie, and a 10 inch pleco. Whenever I try to clean the tank or retrieve one of the rocks or plants out of the tank, it starts thrashing violently. I'm afraid it will accidentally kill the other fish or hurt itself if I try to put my hand or a vaccum in there. Even trying to remove him is very difficult and I have not yet been able to do so. I am also concerned about the pleco's health. He has recently started having dicoloration on his skin. He is black and now has beige/whitish patches. An African Dwarf Frog just died with the same patches. What could it be, and how can I clean the tank? Much thanks Marisa

Answer
Hello. I have a feeling he could be stressed out because there are too many animals in one tank. try to move some of the animals to a different tank for now and see how he reacts after word.i don't know why he is changeing color like that it could be because of stress. I advise you ask another expert as well just to be safe.
Good luck!
Corinna