Trimming plants

[DawnMarie81]

I there a proper way to trip aquarium plants?  I have this plant that is growing like mad, I am not sure of the name, but it has tons of thin leaves coming off of the stem, and the underside of te leaves are a purpley-red color.  Does anyone know wht this plant is, or how to trip it properly?  Can I just cut the top off a bit?  Also, is there a way to make the part I cut off into a new plant?  (like when you cut off part of a house plant and stick the end in water for a couple weeks, it starts to grow roots again?)  I am not sure what this is called though.

Another question, with having all my plants in the tank, how do I vacuum it so I don't pull any of the roots up but still gather the poop up?

[zima]

Is it limnophila aromatica? It if is, you cut it approximately in the middle and just replant the part that you cut. don't plant it too close to the original plant because you will shade the lower leaves, which will eventually die off. The part that is replanted will grow just like the original plant, whereas the original plant will push 2-3 growings approximately half an inch below the cut.

On your second note - vacuuming - depends on the type of substrate that you have. If it the light type (sand, eco complete, flora base) that can be easily sucked into the vacuum tube, then you just don't vacuum. If it is the heavier kind, you should vacuum carefully around the plants, trying not to disturb the root system.