Originally Posted by Bruder
By no means do I disrespect the hobby, however, most literature online and LFSs do in fact suggest to use a hardy fish (such as a damsel) to cycle a tank, so I did as I had read and had been advised. Now that I have heard the opinion of the forum, I will use that information also.
I appreciate all of the advice that has been given to me by you guys who obviously know more on the topic than I, however, Renogaw there is no need for attack. You question my respect, however, read your post another time through, I believe it is you who is being disrespectful. I came here for advice and guidance on the topic, not to be demeaned.
Thank you to those who have had helpful and informative information to share.
Not defending the LFS or any reference materials, but I believe that the cycling-with-damsels is more of an old-school, "that's how we've always done it" approach more than an effort to pinch more money out of the customer (Although that's probably the motivation behind some stores). In fact, one LFS suggested cycling with damsels, but then said that once the cycle was complete, we could bring the damsels back for store credit . . . hardly an effort to squeeze an additonal $4-$5 out of us.
I'm pretty new to the hobby and may be wrong, but I understand that the concept of cycling with LR, LS, etc is a relatively new idea, at least for the general hobbiest. Like any new approach, it may take a while to catch on with the majority of stores. Even the younger employees have probably been coached/trained in the old methods by their employers and are just passing on what they've been taught. Remember, when somebody's been doing something for a long time, that apparently works and has been accepted, it can take a while to change.
Another enticement is that cycling with damsels does actually put a fish in the tank rather quickly in the set-up process. My wife has been a real Dear and has learned the newer techniques right along with me, but even she's admitted that the urge to get something in the tank is strong indeed. I've had to gently remind her, and she's gracefully accepted, that we're taking the slow approach and that the tank will have livestock soon enough.
