Trimming Close Growers

[anodized]

i've got a nice thicket of plants growing, like vals and plants that propagate using runners etc.

is it necessary to thin them out every now and then ? If so does anyone have any tips on how to thin them out without uprooting the whole collection of plants

thanks

 

[Liam]

With vallis I just give the bit I want to remove a little tug then cut the runners either side of it and remove it, it doesnt disturb the substrate much. I thin when it gets so crowded that the fish cant move through it.