If I ever have to start from scratch again I'd consider Dr. Tim's or Tetra Safe Start if I was in a hurry. You can pretty much fully stock quite soon.
I have had success doing that, but I wouldn’t recommend it except for the most experienced keepers. Every small mistake will become magnifiedHas anyone here had success fully stocking right away by using something like Tetra safe start? I see disaster lurking in the shadows with that one. Be interesting to see how it goes with very light stocking.
filtration media or substrate don't have any have to cycle some other wayI recommend tetra safe start along with established media and substrate or at least a mix of new and established substrate then start off with small bio load and add whatever fish slowly
I’ve used this method many times without any issues
Then I would use tetra safe start, just stock very lightly in the beginning, feed very lightly and test your water daily. I would use a fish that is Hardy amd and inexpensive like a convict, even if you don’t want a convict you can give it away afterwards.filtration media or substrate don't have any have to cycle some other way
There’s a risk getting media or substrate from outside sources, but you can limit the risk by checking out where it’s coming from. If it’s from a healthy tank with healthy fish, it’s most likely ok, but there’s a risk. I have many tanks to pull from and I’ve given old media to people, a couple times people I met at petsmart getting bad info and I couldn’t help but step in.TwoTankAmin has used Dr. Tim's more than once as have some others. TTA, I guess I'm calling you out, but in a good way