The best way to cycle a tank is to let it cycle, and this takes weeks (typically over a month, maybe 6 weeks). Adding chemicals may accelerate the cycle, but as you are looking to create a stable environment for your fish for hopefully years I strongly recommend that you don't use the chemicals... let nature take its course.
To cycle a tank you typically need fish and the best fish in my experience are black widows, which are very hardy and pretty cheap. You can also cycle a tank without fish by feeding it with fish food. I was advised by my LFS to use goldfish because they were about 20c each, and all of them died... I then went into a fishless cycle. However, I wouldn't recommend this... goldfish are notorious for infections because they are mass produced and may contaminate your tank.
The secret to establishing a tank is patience... before investing in expensive fish wait at least 2 months... then you'll have a hobby for life.
