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Thats fine. Typically keeping nitrate below 40ppm is considered a good level to be at. Many people keep fish at much higher than 40ppm without issues also. Fish have a tendancy to acclimate to poor nitrate levels over time as the increase tends to be gradual over weeks/months.
Am I correct in assuming that you do not want it to get much lower for the benefit of the plants that need Nitrates?
This in a 10 gal tank. I have been doing 3 gal water changes about every third or fourth day..
Would it be wise to extend the period between changes a bit to see how it goes?
10 to 20ppm of nitrate is sufficient for a planted tank. Yes you could space out your water changes, say 30% weekly to see if they elevate too much. If 50% weekly isnt enough to keep you below 40ppm you are overstocked. I think you are fine though. Consider fish will grow though and increase bioload.