Faster way to lower nitrates

Question
Hi,
 My Oscar "Ozzy" still hasn't eaten a bite in five days.  All the levels are good except the nitrates are really high.  I've done two 25% water changes the last two days and put the old filters back(like you said). I also put PHOSPHATE X in both the filters in my 46 gal tank(It was recommended by our local pet store).  Is there anything else I can buy to lower the nitrates faster.  I'm really starting to worry about him.  His tank looks great but he's so sad looking.  How long can he go without eating?  I don't want to lose him, please tell me if there is anything else I can do to help him.  Your help is greatly appreciated.  

Answer
Hi Annie;

Fish are fine for up to even 3 weeks without eating so you still have time to help him get his appetite back. Just keep up with the water changes and be sure to vacuum the gravel too. It's the only effective way to get nitrates down. The more waste or leftover food there is in the gravel, the more nitrate will be produced. You might want to ask Ron Coleman about Ozzy. He's another expert here and specializes in cichlids. Here's a link to his profile page;

http://www.allexperts.com/expert.cgi?m=1&catID=1472&expID=21527

I hope Ozzy feels better soon......

Chris Robbins