How to Lower Nitrate Levels?

[TGOATW]

I have a hillstream loach in my tank and i am worried i am doing too much of a water change.

My nitrate spike is probably due to excessive detritus in my gravel plus exploding bladder snail population. I have tried vacumming my gravel and taking out snails manually, but detritus suddenly appears out of no where and there are still lots of tiny snail children.

I would like some tips on changing water without stressing mainly my loach, since i've heard they are more sensitive.

 

[GaryE]

I would do ten percent. The next day 20, vaccuuming. Keep it going like that for a week, then lock into regular weekly changes.

Somehow, I sense it may be a small tank. How many litres?

 

[TGOATW]

About 10 gallons (about 35 litres) if i remember correctly.

I would do ten percent. The next day 20, vaccuuming. Keep it going like that for a week, then lock into regular weekly changes.

Somehow, I sense it may be a small tank. How many litres?