gravel cleaning in planted

[Shekoi]

i've only just changed my tank to gravel, i've had sand for years in all my tanks, i just decided on a change in my 45g. i did my first water change since tank has been changed and i noticed how difficult it is to gravel vac around the plants/rocks wich are very close together.

so i was just wondering, what do people with heavily planted tanks or large rock stuctures do when gravel vac?
is it just a case of vac where can and more importantly change water?

[Leopardess]

As you said, you can gravel vac where you can and just do water changes. In a truly planted tank, gravel vac-ing isn't really necessary (though a quick clean up from time to time in areas where debris may settle can certainly be useful) as the plants will use the detritus as nourishment.

[Bigguppy]

Yea. The plants need waste to grow... Just clean the areas that are open, that should be enough.