discus tank filter cleaning routine

[matto]

What's your filter cleaning routine for a Discus tank? I've got a 75-gallon with 6 adults, sand substrate, and a Fluval FX4. Been doing monthly rinses with tank water, but my nitrates creep up fast. Wondering if I should tweak it.

[Sand]

Monthly might not be enough with that bioload. I run a similar setup, 80-gallon, 7 Discus, and clean my FX6 every 3 weeks. Key is to rinse the sponges lightly, never replace all media at once. How often are your water changes?