high nitrates and nitrites

Question
What is the best way to clean up the gravel?  Vacuum, replace and wash rocks or add catfish?
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Followup To

Question -
We have a 20 gallon tank that has recently experienced a high spike in nitrate and nitrite levels.  We were feeding the fish once a day, but then switched to 3 times a day (small amounts).  We had lost 1 fish and asked for help at the pet store that we purchased the fish at.  She thought maybe we didn't feed them enough.  Since then, we've lost 2 more fish and a frog.  We have one black and white molly that seems to be pretty tough.  She's really hanging on.  From reading all the posts and articles that I can find, I think I have to do daily water changes and vacuum the gravel.  Is that going to be enough?  How do I know when to go back to the normal weekly changes?  Should I continue to vacuum the gravel?  If so, how often?  Would getting a "bottom cleaner" fish help with the excess "stuff" on the bottom, or should I stick with the vacuum?  The ph level seems to stay at 7.6 with the high ph level at 8.o.  Both the nitrate and nitrite levels just read in at 5.0 each.  I changed 5 gallons out right away, and plan to change out 3-4 daily for the rest of the week.  I hope this is enough.  We plan to add about 3 more fish when the tank stabilizes again.  Are there certain fish that work better with this ph?  I would really appreciate any advice you can give me.

Answer -
Hi Tami,
 Feeding fish once a day is perfectly fine.  There really shouldn't be any excess stuff on the bottom. If there is, then you are feeding too much. Only feed enough food that the fish can eat in a couple of minutes.  Remember, they have really tiny stomachs!  

 When you have a nitrate problem, then doing daily water changes is a good thing.  Once things are back to normal,
which should be after about 3 or 4 days, you should only need to change about 20% of the water, once a week, every week.  

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>  

Answer
HI Tami,
 Adding catfish won't do anything for the gravel.  

 If you want to clean the gravel, you really need to vaccuum it.  You should do this as a regular part of your weekly water change.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>