Cleaning Substrate When Substrate is Fully Covered in Plants

[beauxarts]

Since I set up my 39gal tank last fall I have slowly been moving into the world of planted tanks by having both planted and plastic plants. Eventually I would like to move towards having a fully planted tank, which would include a grass like plant completely (or mostly) covering the substrate.

Now here is the question. Currently during my PWC I use a siphon to remove the debris from the gravel, which I believe is pretty standard. But when you have this type of plant growth do you just forgo cleaning the gravel all together or is there another technique I am unaware of?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Crepe]

Just pass the siphon over the plants.

[beauxarts]

Thanks. Thats easy enough.

[Smitty]

You can also get Cory's. They do a bang-up job in my tank since I can't get to the substrate in pretty much 95% of my 55g. They take care of everything for me.

[logansmomma1228]

Thanks for this thread OP I have been wondering myself how that is done. What about taller plants? Can you just go 'between' them or something?

[JustOneMore20]

Yeah, you can go between them or just hover over them if there is something on the plants....or just take out water without vacuuming. I usually try to vacuum up fish waste that settles on the plant leaves.