Just discussing this in another thread-
Here is a method for 'fishless cycling'. You need a source off ammonia to get things going and drive the development of bacteria populations that will keep everything healthy long term. Good link to read.
http://www.simplydiscus.com/library/biology/nitrogen_cycle/fishless_cycle.shtml">http://www.simplydiscus.com/library/biology/nitrogen_cycle/fishless_cycle.shtml</a>
Get 'clear' or 'pure' ammonia (not spirits, or with surfactants, fragrance, etc.) You can sometimes find it at Ace Hardwware, or other hardware stores.
Also, I use a bacterial starter culture called Fritz-zyme #9. A lot of products claim they work, this is the only one I know that does consistently. You can cycle in 5 days, instead of 4-6 weeks.
[IMG]http://www.fritzzyme.com/">http://www.fritzzyme.com/</a>
I use the combination of adding the ammonia and then the culture. Follow directions in the article and you will have a great bacterial population for nitrogen processing (ammonia>nitrite>nitrate). Just remember these are aerobic processes and require a LOT of oxygen, so keep the tank heavily aerated.
You can still use this method, just don't add fish yet. If you already have fish, don't add the ammonia, just the Fritz-zyme. Follow the directions.
Good luck, welcome to the hobby, and keep us posted of progress.