Did you ever successfully cycle a tank using Dr. Tim's ammonia? I just started today and had to put in over FIVE times as much as the directions say in order to get up to the 4ppm that I want.
I think I'll try food next time. Especially as I now have this Repashy gel food. It comes as a powder, perfect for decomposing in a tank without growing that funky bacteria. At least I think so.