Cycling is the process we use to get beneficial bacteria into our system. Those bacteria convert the highly toxic ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates. Fish aren't usually harmed by Nitrates and the plants love Nitrates.
I have always wondered how cycling worked. I have read about fishless cycling in aquarium books but one question has always been on my mind, "How much ammonia should I add?" Well, the answer is very, very little (1/2 a teaspoon full if you are using Ammonium Chloride). That 1/2 tsp. will get an 100 gallon tank up to 2.0 ppm ammonia.
Once you get the ammonia between 2.0 - 4.0 ppm you just make sure it stays there for awhile. If you add too much ammonia just stop adding and wait for the bacteria to catch up. Adding way too much ammonia can actually make cycling take longer than needed. Who wants to wait anyway?
Here are some ways to start now. You don't have to cycle at all if you place an old aquarium filter or slimy rock in your fish tank. If the filter or rock are from a cycled system, that is. You will not have to worry about attracting the beneficial bacteria since it will already be there and multiple very quickly. Of course, using slimy objects from other bodies of water could bring diseases along with them. The best way to get started right away and disease free is putting this in your tank. It comes with plenty of the bacteria you are looking for. Just choose the size that fits your tank.
Stay tuned for how to test your water so you know exactly when it is safe to add fish.
To your success,
Scott
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