Water Changes And Plant Trimming

[eduller]

So my plants have taken over the universe. I did a LOT of research to pick a good plant/light/fert combo, and it seems like I did a pretty good job because many of the plants have just exploded with growth. I know lots of plants are great, but it's to the point where I can barely see the fish sometimes, plus the taller ones are now leaning over and creating a lot of shade.
 
Just so I have it all straight, is this all correct?
 
--Ludwigia - can be trimmed at any point and the tops just replanted.
--Water wisteria - can be trimmed at any point and the tops just replanted.
--Water sprite - cannot be trimmed and reproduces by adventitious plantlets.
--Bacopa monerii - can be trimmed at any point and the tops just replanted
--Swords - obviously can't be trimmed - can they be divided at the root? Also, can this be grown emergent?
 
As for doing a minor rescape - Iare there any special tools you use or does just use their hands/arms? My tank is super deep, so I'm literally up to my armpit when I'm planting anything.
 
And a question about water changes - I have just been letting the tall plants flop over during the water change because what else can you do but then they get tangled in each other, and I'm constantly having to untangle and straighten after a change. Is this just par for the course? I have other planted tanks, but my largest tank aside from this one is only 10G so it's easy.
 
Tank progression:

 
And a video of it last week. The ludwigia has grown at least 2 inches since then:

 

[daizeUK]

I can't answer all your questions but I just wanted to say, lovely tank and I enjoyed your video!
 
As far as I know you're right about trimming and dividing all the different plants - I don't know about water sprite - and yes, pretty sure swords can grow emerged.
 
I use long-handled pinsettes and scissors for trimming and planting, they definitely help for a deep tank.

 

[frapadoodle]

Swords can, and should be trimmed.
If a leaf gets raggedy, or melts away, for example. Just cut the stem as close to the rosette as possible. If it is healthy and happy it will throw new leaves in no time.

Most swords are grown emmersed. They grow faster that way, so ready for sale faster.

As for tall plants flopping and getting tangled. Either leave them or continue getting wet. For me it's just a matter of preference.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Nice vid, plants looking good and healthy.
 
Like DaizeUK mentioned, I also use long plant trimming scissors and long tweezers, makes life so much easier with these.