You do realize that just about every tube tester manual will tell you to tap the tube as you test it for shorts, right?
From the sounds of it this was all due to a wonky input tube.
One more thing CJ, it's not a good idea to power cycle a tube amp like you did. It's very hard on both the power supply and the tubes. If you have to shut the amp off I'd plan on waiting a half hour or so before turning it on. That's one more thing to add to the list of "The Joys of Tube Amp Ownership".