Nitrates in my RO!?

[mborkush]

I am confused. I did a water test on my well water and found that my nitrate level was extremely high. In-fact it was off the chart high. So I did the logical thing and installed a RO unit before my DI setup making it a full RO/DI setup. I just tested the water from the unit and the nitrates are reading 20-30 PPM. Is this normal? My understanding is that with a RO unit, the amount of Nitrates are only trace.
The unit is a Pinnacle 30GPD unit. I bought it as used and needed new filters. I purchased a 75 GPD Pet solutions brand membrane along with a new sediment pre filter and carbon filter. The membrane was exactly the same size and the fitting on the ends were even the same. I guess I dont understand why this is happening.
Do the test kits "Go Bad"? The test kit I am using is about 3 years old. I really only use them to test during start up--so it has lasted a while.

Any thoughts?

 

[datablitz]

test kits should be replaced every year, and no you should not have any nitrates in your RO water. you can also check your DKH of your RO water, it should be 0

 

[mborkush]

Im sorry, DKH? Is this the hardness of the water? My house has a water softener system. This makes me wonder about the salt used or minerals in the tower.

Has Any one had issues with a water softener system?

 

[datablitz]

yes, DKH has to do with the hardness of your water, but it will be 0 after RO. it is a pretty important test to have for a successful reef tank. other than keeping your RO at 0, your tank should maintain a level around 10-12. if you keep that stable, and keep calcium levels around 400, you should have a very successful tank, supposing there are minimal nutriants in the water, and water changes are regular.

 

[willewonka]

Test kit is bad, same thing happened to me