Jakeiscool

will live rocks boost ammonia levels in my tank? im trying to start my cycle

Lucy

Hi welcome to Fish Lore

Rocks won't do anything to start the cycle. However, they are a good place for the bacteria to grow on.
You woud need a source of ammonia such as pure ammonia, fish food or raw shrimp for a fishless cycle.

Good luck!

Jakeiscool

is fish food or pure ammonia the better way to go?

Lucy

Fish Food can get pretty messy. I've kept a tank cycled with it and wouldn't do it again. Granted, I obviously added too much.
You add a pinch a day until the cycle is complete then do a thorough gravel vac to get the left over food out.
Ammonia is pretty good as long as you don't OD the tank. I've cycled a tank with it.
Here are Ammonia instructions for a fishless cycle
Raw shrimp can be put in a mesh bag and just let it sit in the tank until the cycle is complete.
I've never used this method but if I had to cycle a tank again, I think I'd go with the shrimp.

One of the other mods has a post up about each of these methods that was pretty easy to understand. If I can find it, I'll post the link.

Edit:
Here's the link:
How do you do a fishless cycle?