I understand why it works but when I look and smell a bottle of ammonia and think of putting that in my fish tank.. just doesn't seem right. I know, its the same stuff that starts the cycle naturally.. I just don't see or smell it when it happens other ways.
I am sure it will work fine for you and will be the easiest way to start. It has been a long time since I setup a new tank, and the only thing I did was add a little of that Cycle product and live rock. I will admit though, I was definately not patient and thew in so many corals early on (after the cycle, but quickly after) when I really should not have and lost all of them except my richordias and anemone. It is sooo hard to not impulse buy something really cool looking at a LFS but the more restraint you can show the more money you will save in the long run. Always write down what your thinking of, coral or fish, and if possible, take a pic with a cell phone or something so you can come home and research it. I have seen LFS mislabel fish and corals many times. Get advice about it and if after that you think you can keep it, go back and get it. If it is gone, don't worry, most LFS can get another one within the next couple shipments if you ask and pay up front. It won't be exactly the same, but 50/50 chance of it being better than the one you saw.
