Do I need to vacuum my gravel?

[Tim]

With all the plants in my tank vacuuming the gravel is next to impossible. Should I bother?

Thanks

[Evan]

Yes,  just vacuum the surface around the plants.

[BigDaddy]

Vacuum into the gravel wherever there are bare spots, and try to hover over the areas that are covered in plants.

PS - The mulm that collects at the base of the plants (the aquatic equivalent of dust) is VERY good at helping to accelerate the cycle in a new tank.

[Tim]

I guess I will buy a skinnier vacuum then.