I have a 500 gallon running with a few canisters until I can get the sump running this week. Anyways, I always try my best to keep my water really clean for the rays. I changed out the media in my canisters the other day and the bio filters were covered in crap and other waste. I did not wash them out but I did rise them to remove the waste. The next day my tank water was kinda cloudy and i tested the water for nitrates the the test showed the water was in the red zone,( very high nitrates ) and dark purple for nitrites. In a panic, I did a 70% water change on the 500. Filled it back up, let it sit and then did another 30% water change. Then I tested the water and still showed the same levels. After 8 hours of water changes and still showing these readings.At this point I am very frustrated. Today I did another 25% water change and then still with very similar results. I always keep my water decent so why did this happen???!!! Then it got my thinking. I am showing high nitrites. When I rinsed the waste off my bio filters, did I rinse off to much and uncycle my tank? Any opinions on this or why I am having this problem?