Fish-In vs. Fishless Cycling

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I personally am of the opinion that fishless cycling is the way to go. It can take more time but all in all it saves you money and it doesn't sacrifice a fish. A lot of fish used for fish in cycling tend to be on the aggressive side as they are hardy. So then you're kind of stuck off the bat with a territorial fish and have to add in fish around it. Fish in cycling is the way most people used to get started with a tank, but do you think it has any more benefits then doing a fishless cycle?

 

[Tinnerito]

I personally am of the opinion that fishless cycling is the way to go. It can take more time but all in all it saves you money and it doesn't sacrifice a fish. A lot of fish used for fish in cycling tend to be on the aggressive side as they are hardy. So then you're kind of stuck off the bat with a territorial fish and have to add in fish around it. Fish in cycling is the way most people used to get started with a tank, but do you think it has any more benefits then doing a fishless cycle?

Not really imo. I'm with you on all parts; fish-in cycling looks good during the cycle, but doesn't really do much else in the positive.

 

[MC Blowfish]

My very first tank, I used Blue Damsels to cycle my tank. I wish I hadn't. They survived, but looking back at it. I feel bad that they had to go through the cycle. Now that I'm back in the hobby. I've since cycled two tanks without any fish.