nitromax, cycle starting bacteria or snake oil?

[jrlg]

I have a 200G I am starting to cycle, I figured with the size and the rock work I am doing I would cycle the rocks in the tank and do the "BRS-WWC" Method of a lengthy period before I add coral so I know what I'm in for. But anyways I went to a LFS by my work to get something to start the cycle and they recommended Nitromax Marine. I got the bottle due to the volume it says it will treat, opened it up and was surprised after shaking the bottle that the liquid inside was clear and showed nothing that would indicate that there is something in there other than just water, and there was no smell at all. I know bacteria is microscopic but it's concerning me, and its my first time using bacteria in a bottle. Please let me know if I'm worrying about nothing or there was a switch-a-ro somewhere down the line.

 

[geddavis]

The actual bacteria that decomposes most waste can’t survive in a closed invirment like a bottle. I’m not supper educated in this but I will share an article that goes in-depth bellow.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bacteria-in-a-bottle-myth-or-fact.403226/