Water Change in a QT

[gear-head]

I have an Orchid Dottyback in a 10 gal QT. I'm using a small powerhead and a sponge filter that I had running in my main tank's fuge for about 2 weeks.

Water values were:
Ammonia : 0
Nitrates: .5
Nitrates 5

I did a 50% water change this morning, and then testing this afternoon, water values are still the same
Ammonia : 0
Nitrates: .5
Nitrates 5

I have only fed the dottyback a few reef carnivore pellets, which he gobbled right up. He seems lively enough.

Is it normal for Nitrates to keep accumulating? Am I consigned to 4 weeks of daily water changes? :?

 

[quarryshark]

Wouldn't worry about nitrates in a qt setting. I don't even bother testing for them.
Ammonia and nitrite are what can be a problem. Keep them down with daily water changes and your tank will adjust to the bioload it a week or so.

 

[gear-head]

I can handle that.