Getting back into the hobby

[dougm77]

I'm getting back into the aquarium hobby after a 8 year break. Prior I had almost 20 years of experience so I am not your typical noob. I recently set up a 50 gallon tank which I intend on making a planted community tank and have started a fishless cycle on.
While shopping for aquarium supplies I noticed some products which I don't think were available when I was last in the hobby and wanted to get opinions on them.
1. I opted for a aquaclear 70 filter and noticed that they offer a filter insert which is supposed to remove ammonia. First of all does this type of item actually work? Second it seems like using something like this regularly would delay a tank cycling properly. My gut feeling is this type of product is simply meant as a crutch for those who don't want to properly maintain their tanks.
2. I noticed a number of products claiming to contain bacteria to jumpstart a tank cycle. To me this seemed too good to be true. Am I correct?
Thanks in advance for any opinions/advice.

 

[54seaweed]

you never know how long that bacteria in a bottle sat on the shelf at the store and how long it sat in a warehouse . your best bet is to find some seeded media maybe from one of your fellow fish keepers .

 

[drm315]

Agree with the previous comment about the bottled bacteria! Also, during a fishless cycle, the ammonia inserts would not be beneficial IMO. I wouldn't even use them on a cycled tank. Nothing like good ole water changes to keep ammonia down, if need be.

I LOVE my Aquaclear 50 filter! I've owned many sizes in the past and love them all! They are quiet and I love that you can control the outflow.

 

[Barliman]

Welcome back!

I've had very good results with "bottled bacteria," but I order it straight from the manufacturer, rather than something that's been sitting on a store shelf.