Good step in the right direction. You're probably right between 10 and 20 PPM.
Until you have almost zero Nitrate. Then you'll still have to do larger then normal water changes to keep up with these fish. Until of course they're in a much larger tank.
the color difference on these tests should be a lot more clear. I mean 40-80ppm nitrate is a big difference but the color is almost the same!
You should make a chart by writing down your readings for the next couple weeks, or until you get a decent pattern established. You will see how often you need to change the water to keep it around 20ppm. Pick a time you're usually home, and try to do the WC and testing at that same time each day so your chart is accurate.
alrighty then.. but i think something else that may have lead to this problem, my gravel vac (sand vac technically) wasn't quite strong enough to pick up all the waste.. sooo I plan on going to Lowe's today and constructing a stronger/larger vac
Once I get my nitrate's below 20, then I'll see how long I can go before they start raising, and then do a WC, and then I hope that'll help me establish a pattern for doing WC's
sounds like youve got it going on the right track,keep up on water changes .the fish should look noticably less stressed soon .alrighty then.. but i think something else that may have lead to this problem, my gravel vac (sand vac technically) wasn't quite strong enough to pick up all the waste.. sooo I plan on going to Lowe's today and constructing a stronger/larger vac
Once I get my nitrate's below 20, then I'll see how long I can go before they start raising, and then do a WC, and then I hope that'll help me establish a pattern for doing WC's