Cycling Day 12, how do parameters look?

[justplainnuts]

Day 12 of my cycle, wanted to get some of you to look at my parameters and tell me how it looks and any advice.

Parameters are as follows(API test kit):

ammonia: 0
nitrite : 0
nitrate: 60
phosphate: 0.25
PH: 7.2
calcium: 260
alk: 6

around 3 days ago ammonia was .25 and nitrite was 1, then they dropped to 0. Phosphates also dropped from 1 to .25, know they should be none, I am using RO/Di water. think it is coming from dry rock i am using and reseeding. Ph dropped alot, any recommendations to get it back up?

Thanks for looking an for any advice you can throw my way.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Cool! Looks like the cycle is in full effect! Might be time for a water change.

Your ph, calcium, and alk are all low. What's your salinity?

 

[justplainnuts]

1.026. I have been topping off every couple days.

 

[Reefing Madness]

??
What salt mix are you using? What are you measruing your SG with?
Phosphates are possibly leaching from the rock, and with water changes in the future will eliminate them.
Dosing will help your Cal and Alk numbers, but WOW, those are very low for a salt mix.
If you used dry rock, what did you use to kick start the cycle?
Do you have lids on the tank? This will cause you low PH. Also, you could point your powerheads at the surface a bit more to get better gas exchange.

 

[justplainnuts]

I am using instant ocean, but you got me thinking. The salt is from a few years ago and had been stored in garage. It obviously got moisture because I have to break it up with a screw driver before mixing. I will pick up new salt tomorrow, should I do a water change now in midcycle or wait. I use a refractometer for SG. Purchased about 3 pounds live rock to seed the dry stuff.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I definitely think the salt is probably your issue. I also think based on your params that you're good for a wc.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Na, while the tank is still in cycle, I'd not worry about getting everything straight right now. No need for a water change yet.

 

[Pete polyp]

I would most certainly do a water change. I think the nutrients are leaching from the rock. With elevated nitrate and phosphate like you're seeing it has to be the source.