well, I actually started doing it after a week or so not until my temperature and all equipment was working properly. I would check my filter, and temperature (i had a defective water heater the first time). And then I started adding ammonia daily every day a little, 1 tsp and a half. But I guess I was just getting a bit impatient, and wasn;t sure. So I did a massive water change to remove the ammonia and now started back to the add and wait method, add ammonia once and thats it. I just tested the water and its stil between 2 and 4.0. I ususally keep the last sample and compare the test tubes side by side, too, to see if there are any visible changes.
I think what I culd have also done is added one or two goldfish to cycle the tank, that wouidl have kept the tank interesting durin gthe whole time, but of course its not the choice for both that dont believe it the traditional cycling method.
we have a real nice setup and all so we are excited. We got such a great deal on a brand new 50 gallon tank and a cherry stand for both 50% off.