it kind of dipends, you can of course always buy quick start, but i never really trust quick start myself. i much prefer a filter squeezing from an established tank. at my work i often don't charge customers for a filter squeezing, but if the manager is on my case for spending too much time talking to customers and not enough selling stuff, then i'll sometimes charge $1. so it just depends on what kind of local pet store you have, and who you find to help you.