I say if were sticking with the wet dry setup, which is what I have in my all in one sort of tank, use a carbon filter pad on top of the bio balls to help keep the water clear, I just by the cut to fit type and put it on top, water flows thru that before trickling thru the wet dry.
Someone correct me but once the tank is up and running, don't clean all your ballet the same time as you will kill off the beneficial bacteria. Only rinse a third or so in salt water as you do your water change. Just use some old tank water and do your best to knock the gunk off.