Cycling with Smart Start - with or without??

[Paulm7373]

Hi all,
I am about to commence a new saltwater setup in my 50g aquareef tank and would like to know, after filling up with aragonite, water, adding salt and getting the temp right, is it a good idea to add Smart Start to help the bacteria process even if I will be filling up with live rock a week later, or is it not really necessary if I am prepared to wait 4 - 6 weeks for cycling a more natural way before starting to add fish? I would like to avoid any extra expenses if possible but I won't mind spending the extra $$ if it means having a healthier and more successful running tank. My ultimate intention is to have a few fish and some soft corals. Thanks!

 

[Dreadz]

Smart start certainly sped up my impromptu fish-in cycle but from what I've read online not everyone sees success with it. I've had no issues since my cycle so I can only assume that the bacteria has sustained itself and effectively colonised my filter as it hasn't been re-dosed for several weeks and my levels are perfect in a seriously overstocked 100litre tank (long story!)
The only issue I can think of may be that the high dose of ammonia in a fishless cycle may overwhelm the bacteria in the safestart and render it useless but hopefully someone more knowledgeable can give you some more concrete guidance on that