Ok restarting this again.

New test, failed it again.

PH is 6.0.. bit low?

ammo = .5ppm

nitrites = 0ppm (YES!)

nitrates = at 40ppm+ still.

i changed feeding to corn and only once every 2 days.

i did however feed live worms last nite. could that have raised it?

im also doing my weekely 20% change, however i didnt have any dechlorinator in the water.

any ideas to add to my maintenance?

firstly if you did a water change without declorinator the clorine in your tap water could kill the beneficial bacteria in your filters.
secondly test the water comming from your tap for nitrates. if it has a high reading you will have to go another route to lower the nitrates in your tank.
assuming that the nitrates form your tap are fine you could try to increase the amount of water you remove during yuor water change. if you do a 20% change now try increasing it to 30%. if this doesnt lower them enough try doing 2 water changes a week.
as for feeding try using a quality pellet as a staple and feeding other types of food on occasion. remember to remove any uneaten food after about 3 mins.

hope this helps

i just did a new water change last niet. ill have to wait a few more days for another change.

im using dechlorinated water now.

ill increase changes to 30% twice a week.

at the moment my fish doesnt respond to pellets.. so still not sure wat to do about it.