test levels

Question
I have a couple questions...I have a 20 gallon tank with 3 African Cichlids.  I cant seem to get the PH level stable.  I am always adding drops to the tank so it doesnt drop to low.  My test kit show the Alkalinity is about 80 which say to add buffer?  How do I do that and would that help.
Also my Nitrate seems a bit on the high side.  I have no live plants in the tank.  What can cause this and am I just feeding to much (once per day)...I also do 25% water change 1 time each month.  Thanks for your help.  Have a good day.

Answer
Hi Brett,
 You need to do more frequent water changes.  Ideally in a tank like that you would change about 10-20% of the water once a week, every week.  That will definitely help with the nitrate problem and may solve the other problem as well.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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