Bacteria in a bottle products can be good, but get a bad rap on forums. Bacteria is very resilient, but can be killed with poor handling, storage, and time. Sitting for long periods in a hot truck or warehouse can spell disaster.
I have even heard tales that products ordered by mail may be used, the bottle refilled with water, and sent back for credit...then that bottle ends up being sent to someone else!!!
I would agree that Dr. Tim's is one of, if not THE best B-in-B product. Tetra Safe Start (Which Tim developed) is a close second. If push came to shove, I think I'd go with mail order from Dr.Tim's.
Alternatively would be using filter media and/or substrate from another healthy aquarium.
Finally, as Byron has been quick to mention, he does a fish in cycle with one or two fish and lots of plants (in this case we're well past that!)
Here are several options for
Cycling a New Aquarium.
At this stage, you may need to do nearly daily partial water changes to keep ammonia/nitrite levels in check.
Good luck - keep posting.