Tell me more about adding pennies to my rock curing can (32g) and any other "Old Hand Tips & Tricks" you might have.
I wouldn't do it now, too many variables and it's hard to find real copper pennies anyway.
40 years ago there were only a couple of medications for saltwater, most copper based, so pennies was a helluva lot cheaper. But it is impossible to control the amount of copper and it is kind of hit & miss. But 40 years ago it was a viable alternative treatment.
Now peeing in the tank to start a cycle... sure, ammonia is ammonia and waste is waste, be it human or fish, but I wouldn't poop in the tank, let the fish do that.
Plus I have always done "fish in" cycling with no issues.
Just cycled the 30 gallon I have with 2 damsels, 5 hermits and a coral banded shrimp. All are doing fine and the shrimp has molted twice.
But I wouldn't recommend it for someone new to the hobby. Fish in cycling requires that you have an intimate knowledge concerning the cycle process and what to expect when and how the fish behave normally.
But you are in the right place to get information.