QT tank has high nitrate and nitrite

[playtime]

well, I lost my yellow tank (in my Qt tank thank god) I am really sad but he passed during the night so he was in there at least until late morning. Problem is, it has devistated my tank and I need to lower the nitrite and nitrate levals. Amonia is 0. I can't purchase other fish until I clear it up, got any tips. I have done 2 25% water changes but it hasn't helped. It is only a 10 gal so I don't want to take out anymore water. my last hope might be to drain it and take wate from my 2 established tanks and refill it. What do you think?
Playtime

 

[sbustobante]

I'm not understanding why you don't want to dump the old water and start with fnew water.
Your QT tank should be a bare tank with some hidey holes for new fish, so if this is what you are doing, why is it a problem to dump 10 gal and start over?

 

[playtime]

The tank is bare with only 1 small piece of lr. I thought the water needed to be established before I could add fish to it and if I start over wouldn't I run the risk of death of new fish? If it is ok to drain it and start over then I will do that. I am sur it will cost less than buying all these treatments I have purchased so far. someone please let me know ASAP.......
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[krazzydart]

your Q tank should still be cycled.... what type of filtration do you have on it???? I have a hydro-sponge and a biowheel powered by just a powerhead.... I have a little rock and crushed coral on the bottom, with a couple of bug shells for fish to hide in or near..... if needed.... I also "feed" the tank a little dry food 2 or 3 times a week to keep the bio-load going in the tank.... also I have a bigger tank (20 gal) for quaranteeeeeeeeee needs.....

 

[sbustobante]

If you swap out all of your water, your live rock or other filtration won't be harmed, as long as things aren't sitting around getting dry while you do it. You may see a mini cycle, but it will be over in a day or two.