Aquarium cycling questions

[allforocean_01]

Soon I will be starting my first SW aquarium (a 40b tank). I plan to cycle the tank with ammonia, as I believe it is the most straightforward method. During the cycling process, do I need to add any kind of bacteria to actually get the cycle going, or will they grow and reproduce on their own?

I also have a question about this ammonia aquarium additive.
http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24530

I can't seem to finds its ingredients, and I know any ammonia you add must be pure ammonia and water for the best. Does anybody have experience with this product?

Lastly, during the cycle, should I be running my equipment? This would be the only way to populate them with bacteria, right?

 

[Sk8r]

I run everything during the cycle except the skimmer, which has nothing yet to skim. I don't personally add bacteria or ammonia, just a flake of ordinary fishfood per 50 gallons daily until cycled. Warm water up to 80, which speeds chemistry---cold water takes forever. Dr. Tim's has a good rep, down the other lane of preferences.

 

[A sea K]

Why cant I see this post.

 

[mcgyvr]

The moderators of this site have chosen to set it up so that any new users who post external links,etc... get "jailed" until they approve the post. This typically happens in up to 24 hours or so I believe..

 

[A sea K]

Well, OK then. Thanks for the explanation.