Newly mixed sw is showing nitrites?Help?

I just mixed up a new batch of Instant Ocean Reef Crystals with RO/DI water in a rubbermaid brute can. I let it mix overnight with a powerhead and today I tested nitrites/nitrates and for some reason it's showing a little nitrites. I tested the ro/di water and it was zero. I stumbled upon this because I was cycling my tank and wanted to use the new sw as a control cause I'm using API liquid test kit. My aquarium is showing zero nitrites. Is this normal or have any of you ever noticed this?

 

Galveston

have you been using Reef Crystals for a while?
do you clean the brute out after each water change
or do you use all the salt water and leave the brute dry?

Reef Crystals is one of many salt mixes that have added organics in the form of Vitamins
these vitamins/ organics are naturally food for bacteria

thus if you dont clean the tub out each time
or you leave the salt water long enough

then its possible that even without any life forms in the brute , you can begin cycling the water in that tub
hence the nitrite reading

Steve

 

Actually the brute can was brand new and rinsed out really good. I always use all the sw though and don't store it. I called instant ocean and they told me to mail a cup or two of the salt and they would test it and replace the bag even if they can't find anything. Thanks for that suggestion though, makes sense.

 

Thats crazy i havent seen that yet