Did 2 total 100% Water changes and still high nitrate

It's a process of elimination. Since this is a 6.6g tank, it would take all of 5-10 minutes to change the water again just to be sure. Are you re-dosing ammonia after the water changes?
 
I changed all the water once, if a water change was what I needed, that would have done it. When it didn't work, I changed all the water again, and it still didn't fix the problem. I can't see the logic in changing all the water a 3rd time. If I'm wrong, please explain.
 
Then don't do the water change if you'd rather not. I already gave my reasoning behind doing it one more time to be sure and to rule that out all together.
 
Please know I'm grateful for your help. I'd change the water 100 times if I thought it would help. I just can't see the logic in it.
 
Why are you stressing over 20-40ppm nitrates anyway?

#1, we know the tank processes ammonia.
#2 nitrites no longer show up.
#3 all you've got is some nitrates, which like said a bunch of times, is what you want.

Verify no ammo and nitrites one more time and put some fish in the tank.
 
Because water changes are the traditional means of nitrate reduction in our aquariums and is one of the reasons we do them. Since you say your filter isn't dirty, then it likely isn't the issue (especially with no fish or detritus to clog it up), you say your test kit is good and was confirmed with another kit, so that leaves the water and/or the ammonia dosing. If you haven't been adding ammonia for awhile, then it has to be the source water since there are only plastic plants in this tank and they do not produce ammonia or nitrates. There is no other way that nitrates can be introduced unless you've added something to the tank that we aren't aware of.
 
Something just isn't adding up here. What about using your tap water, not spring water. Does it have nitrates?
 
My tap water is worse than the spring water. Poland Spring water is very good water. They are one of the biggest spring water companies out there. Their water is consistently good. I tested it many times from different jugs, and it's always 3-4ppm nitrate. I know it should be zero to be really good but I drink it often and I like it. Anyway I've never used tap water in my tank. So the water I poured into my tank is 3-4ppm when I pour it in. There is no fish and I'm not adding more ammonia. I wait 1 hour so I know it's had a chance to circulate a bunch of times then I test it and both times it came out 20-40ppm. It doesn't add up to me either, that why I came here for help. If you all say do more water changes, I'll do it. I just don't understand. Like you said, it's not adding up. Also, I know almost nothing about aquariums, but I'm honestly trying to learn.
 
I really don't understand where your nitrates are coming from either. If you have changed out all your water, then you should have close to zero nitrates. Unless you are adding a chemical in that we are not aware of. There are only two ways to get rid of nitrates. One is to do a water change and the other is to have live plants that use up the nitrogen. If these methods are not getting rid of enough nitrates, then there must be a source of nitrates somewhere. Usually, in an established tank, this is leftover food and/or fish waste on the bottom that isn't getting gravel vacuumed well enough, or it is a dirty/clogged filter cartridge. Sometimes, it can be a dead fish that got stuck in a decoration or something that is decaying. (this last one however often causes ammonia or nitrites to spike too). In your tank, it would seem that none of these are the culprits. Maybe, part of your filter got clogged with some ammonia? Perhaps if you rinse your filter in dechlorinated water (won't hurt any BB that is built up, but could get rid of anything that might be a problem), and do another water change, your nitrate might come down. Dunno. But, your tank is not turning the 3-4ppm nitrate into 20-40ppm nitrate. It doesn't work that way. There is another source of nitrates somewhere. Where, I don't know.

Emily
 
All of the advice offered is sound. All you have to do is sort through it. From your test results, your tank is cycled. Your only issue is high nitrates. The quickest way to lower nitrate levels is by water changes. That's not working. Now, what I would do in this situation would be to add gravel and a few live plants. Make additions at the beginning of the week and test at the end of the week. Small aquaria are less stable as far as water chemistry. That's why I suggested that you get into a routine. That way whatever you do on a regular basis will give you a more accurate picture of what's really going on with the water.

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