I just tested my water- the results?

i never had any nitare problem but my ammonia level went up around .5 and this only happened when my tank was overstocked. i never vac my tank. i leave that to live plants to take care of it.because fish waste is good source for plants growth. they use that waste and plants should keep your ammonia and nitrate levels low. and never wash your filter media. if you need to wash it then you should wash it with your tank water by taking some out in container. and you must buy something to add in filter media which will hold good bacteria. if your filter is lacking of good bacteria then your ammonia or nitrate levels would go up. and changing the water would only make it worse. dont forget that your decoration also contain good bacteria. i wouldnt wash the decoration as it holds good bacteria. you should use product called stress zyme to increase the bacteria in your tank. change the water every week. i recomend you do 50% water change every week. but never wash your filter unless its very dirty.