Yes patience is the key. This process can take up to 4-6 weeks or longer depending on the way your tank is set up and the amount and number of times the water is changed. Have you gotten the water testing kits? Do you know what your levels are of nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia? If so please let us know what they are so we might be able to let you know about how things are going. Don't worry though, we have all gone through what you are right now, and we know this is the hardest part, waiting for your first tank to get up and running. But indeed there is not anything you can do but read, read about cycling and test, test water and change the water when the ammonia levels or nitrite levels get way out of line. Otherwise, patience is indeed the answer to it all.
Hope this helps. The best thing you can do is read as much as you can about the cycling process so you know how things are going and where you are in the process, but it is essential that you get the testing kits and test the water often.
Rose
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