high nitrate help

[awilson133]

im having high nitrates..like above 40ppm in my 55g
my stock is

5 gold barb
6 pristella tetras
6 black skirts
2 large angel fish.
3 platies
1 apple snail
1mystery snail..

I think I might be overstocked..i do plan on rehoming my black skirts.sunday. ive been doing 50% water changes a week. any advice?

 

[Chronos313]

Do 1-2 changes per week, add live plants if able

 

[awilson133]

I cant keep plants

 

[Chronos313]

Okay then do 2 30% water changes a week until they are lower. Then see how they are when you drop down to 2 20% changes then test. That's my best suggestion