New fishkeeper here!

Or just one that's lightly stocked and/or planted...

Post #1 says new tank.

Any stock is going to produce nitrate.. eventually
 
Plants will lower nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) very low feeding will lower ammonia creation from the plants.

But, really, chances are good that something should be detected. Maybe double check how you are testing, shaking bottles where applicable, or get a second opinion on the test and have a pet store perform it.
 
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Id agree that some small level of nitrate should be detected if live plants and light stocking are the case. Any established media used when tank was set up?
 
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