I was talking specifically in regards to newer aquarium owners so I apologize for the rough draft on my previous post. However I totally disagree with any method of adding ammonia unnaturally as the work load for the newer owners out there would be too much. Adding ammonia then testing then adding more then testing again....not to mention the almost 95% water change afterwords and another 50% after that is just too much. And I was referring to the common misconception that alot of LFS and some people here have told people that cycling a tank <Sigh> requires 1-2 weeks of just sitting there...it's on here look around.
For the new hobbyist the easiest, fastest and safest way to cycle a tank is the fish in method. Not just an opinion but fact. While we all have our favorite ways and the ammonia way being the most work intensive method they all do work. The only method I'm referring to that doesn't do squat is the "Let the tank stand for 2 weeks to cycle it" method.
And no my information is quite up to date and in no way false. I just went to the podium and rambled on about the method that doesn't work using no fish. The ammonia method works great it's just as I said a little to intensive for the beginner though not at all beyond their capabilities. Unfortunately the fish in method is what usually occurs but done so without knowing the proper method of doing so.
Fish in method is tried and tested true as long as it is done correctly and is in NO WAY outdated or UNSAFE. And I know many breeders including myself who do have aversions to adding anything but water to our tanks and that does not make us wrong either.
But I do apologize for the rant earlier I was referring to the other fishless method and shouldn't have lunged at the poster. Sorry bout that my passions do get me carried away