Was Using Substrate A Bad Idea?

[Callumallison1511]

iv had my 180 litre tank set up for a year now, i used tetra plant complete substrate under the gravel planning to have it planted heavily.
since, the plants have really taken off and the vallis has sent out runners and is taking over the tank.
i have tried pulling these out but this is messy as when you pull the plant up (however gently) the some substrate comes up with it.
soon i am planning to add some more fish and would like to have the tank tidy and respectable looking.
should i just remove the plants in question and try and clean up the mess afterwards?
any help would be much appreciated.