Yesterday I installed a valve to the intake of the filter so I can drain water from the tank without disturbing fish. I still vacuum every week though. Pain in the ass with all the plants. I have an old 85 that I'm going to use just for growing plants. I can take the canister filter from that.
The plants won't need it. I took water to LFS. They test for free, just to see if my tests are accurate. They said my water is "Ideal". Neither me nor my wife are home during the day, so most of the time it's very peaceful in the fish room. I believe the best thing I can do is get a bigger one from a different store. Have them hold it for two weeks to be sure it's healthy.