This is an ancient post, and I don't know if the original starter of this thread will actually even read this, but the following is some crucial information:
1. CYCLING IS INEVITABLE--- buying "special" water won't expedite the time, R/O, Spring water, established aquarium water from your local fish store, all need to undergo the long *** cycling process because the beneficial bacteria grow on the filter (and also exist on the gravel)
2. "Cycle" products are pure scam, and have been debunked online for ages. (a simple google search will prove this), virtually nothing out there "instantly cycles" your tank....
3..... WITH THE EXCEPTION OF "Bio Spira", a liquid packet sold by Marineland, which contains LIVE bacteria, and will virtually INSTANTLY cycle your tank. You need to buy it from a reputed hole-in-the-wall local fish store where the owner is truly dedicated to fish- because this product HAS TO BE CONSTANTLY REFRIGERATED---- even during the shipping process, the owner should receive Bio Spira from the truck in a mini fridge, then quickly rush inside with the products and throw them in his fridge. Bio Spira can be expensive, anywhere from $15 to $25 for the smallest packet (which treats 30 gallons). Google Bio Spira online, and research it zealously if you are curious about it- I did, and I fervently called local fish stores until BAM! found a place that sells it.
fishless cycling, fishy cycling, or bio spira?
i may have opted for fishless cycling but I seriously could not find pure ammonia, nor had the time to drive places to purchase it, and test the aquarium tank daily for weeks-- instead, I spent $15 on Biospira, saved hours of time for $15 (well worth the investment, TIME IS MONEY folkz, hahah), and virtually instantly cycled my tank, if you count one-and-a-half days!!!! (i still performed mad tests)