you said the nitrAte was .25, that is very low for nitrAte, most test kits don't measure it that low. Did you mean nitrIte? if so, that is not good, nitrIte should be 0. It would be good if you could test and post values for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. ammonia and nitrIte should be 0, nitrate below 40, preferably below 20.
Emily