Fishless Or Fish In Cycle?

[greenscooby]

Hi all,
 
It's been a VERY VERY LONG TIME since I've been on here, about 18 months ago my tank completely died and I was so upset that I never bothered to continue with this wonderful hobby. Now I'm ready to start all over again, so I took a trip to my LFS and told them what happened, and said I was going to re-start my tank again and was there to get ideas of what to stock my tank with.
 
After being quite obsessive(spelling) about this forum (many moons ago) I know the way to go is a fishLESS cycle, but my LFS said not to bother with that, this is what I was told
 
1. Fill tank with fresh media, substrate and de-chlorinated water.
2. Leave for 24 hours then turn heater and filter on.
3. After another 48 hours when the water is up to tempreature start to add a few (3 I was told) fish per week as this would be the same as doing a fishless cycle but quicker.
 
Yes this was the advice I got from my LFS.
 
I have done a lot of reading about fishless cycling and no matter how many times I read it I always seem to confuse myself something stupid, it's not just one thing about it it's all of it, spikes, how much ammonia to add, how big a water change, my brain just gets scrambled.
 
So do I follow the advice from my LFS (after all as many people say it's in their interests to look after me as a customer), or ignore it and find someone I know who can explain the fishless cycle in layman terms.
 
Any help greatly appreciated, many thanks in advance,
 
Scooby.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Find a different fish store, this is not the case. Two benefits of fishless cycling doe right are first, minimal water changes should be needed since no fish are at risk and, second, a 100% fish load can be added when done.
 
Moreover, adding fish during a fishless cycle should no be done as they advised. Additional fish load added should not increase the bio-load by more than about 20% in order to avoid ammonia and nitrite levels bouncing big time because the bacteria can't catch up fast enough. If you start with 3 fish and get the tank cycled, you can add at best one similar size fish the next time or two. As you ramp up towards full stocking the size of the additions can be appropriately increased.

 

[phoenixgsd]

this is more or less what my LFS told me however they did tell me to test and change water regulary also, it was really hard work, but i did it and learnt alot, fishless is way more easier and safer for the fish long term there is a link in my signature 

 

[pirategrl]

Do the fishless cycle.  Fish-in cycles are awful and stressful.  If I could go back and start over I would.  

 

[CezzaXV]

Fish-in cycles are cruel and unethical. It may be in their interests to look after you, but it's more in their interest to get your money. Most beginners don't have the patience to fishless cycle. They want fish and they want them now, and most shops are more than happy to oblige. They're also more than happy to sell you numerous medications for the health problems fish-in cycling creates, as well as useless instant cycle products and replacement fish when they are killed by exposure to ammonia.

 

[cpwebsite]

While your fish store most likely does have your best interest in mind, chances are they just do not know how to properly cycle a tank. The thing with fish keeping is many rumors are spread and people sometimes follow what they think is right, my mom still thinks five goldfish are fine in a bowl. 
 
However, in answer to your question, I highly recommend a fish-less cycling.

 

[Lilfishy]

Fishless is always the way to go.
I know it's hard looking at an empty tank, but patience pays off & in the end you'll have happy fish

 

[CoryLover95]

Fishless all the way!  I was trapped by the brilliant LFS and did a fish in cycle with a bottle of live bacteria...I probably lost 15 fish.  Your patience will be rewarded.