Yes, but you don't have heavily planted tanks either.  I think the plants absorb some of the nitrates and keep it at reasonable levels.
I never let the nitrates go above 40ppm.
Most of the time my nitrates are between 20-40.  Sometimes they are at 10ppm.
I don't think not changing the water if your parameters are ok is being lazy!  Being lazy is not even testing the water! OR testing the water and seeing parameters are off and NOT changing the water is lazy!:)  Anyway as far as nitrates, goldfish can tolerate quite higher levels than tropical fish and some of the more exotic goldfish are sensitive to water parameters that aren't exactly pristine.
I just think the more you fuss with the tanks the more you change the whole eco system.
That's good that you care so much about your fish and want them to live in splended conditions!
There are so many people who could care less!

Mindemae: I would love to have all sorts of plants in my tanks but I have fish that won't allow it. I'm really thinking about switching it back to gravel but they won't leave any plants alone. So what's the point of doing it. So I just use those glass vases so hopefully the plants will eventually grow and thrive. So for the meantime husband and I will haul buckets more often than we would like to.

By the way, I'm using nitrate pads for my tanks so that should help right?

Oh it might work if I have gravel in the tanks.

Thanks Nossie I'll change my water more often. :

Precisely 

The brand of nitrate pads I'm using is by Aquazone Nitrate Reducer.
(Link is not visible to guests. Please register to view.)

This brand really works!

The use of chemicals or purchased nitrate removers are a waste of money and are typically much more expensive than the easier and much cheaper solution.  Just do more water changes.  clean water will reduce the nitrates... unless you have nitrates in the replacement water.