Thats exactly the opposite of what they should have done. If your ammonia levels are fine, that is all the more reason to test for nitrite and nitrate. The nitrogen cycle goes ammonia>nitrite>nitrate. If there is no ammonia, and there is a problem in the tank, it is possible (and indeed quite likely) that the nitrite may not be being processed. It is a different species of bacteria that breaks down nitrite into nitrate, so just doing an ammonia test proves very little. If you are doing one, do all three. I assume you are getting this done at your LFS? If so, have them test it again and INSIST they test all three. I'd also talk to a different employee. If they give you the same answer, I'd switch stores, and be proud in the knowledge that you know better than they do how the nitrogen cycle works. Or better yet, get yourself a set of tests.
P.S. - My appologies to everyone if that post seemed grouchy. It isn't aimed at anyone here, especially you Mitch. It is however aimed at the people at your LFS. I'm getting a little sick of hearing about pet store employees who don't know even the most basic things about water chemistry or the nitrogen cycle. I used to work at a pet store, in the fish and reptiles departments, and it seems to me that my store was the only one that had competent staff. I say was because most of the competent staff have now left. It is a sad state of affairs if the majority of pet stores are this incompetent. Ok, I'll stop now before I rant any more. My apologies for bringing this subject up again. And keep up with those salt baths until the fungus clears up.
