How Long Before Nitrites Start Showing Up?

Ok thanks just a few questions. How often should I add the prime to the tank(just during water changes or if the ammonia levels get too high). And how often should I do water changes?

as I said previously..
As long as the ammonia level is below one just add Prime to the tank. If the ammonia goes up to or above one do a water change to get it back down below one and again add prime. Prime will not speed up your cycle but it will protect your fish.

 

Lava rock is a good structure for bacteria to grow on don't take it out. I think people were concerned you thought it would magically bring beneficial bacteria with it when you added it to the filter. It works in much the same way that ceramic filter media works in that in provides a place for the bacteria to live. Like others said the timing for nitrite to show up varies and there isn't much you can do to change that without adding cycled media to the tank. Just be patient it will happen.

 

Lava rock is fine its just not a pretty shape nor cost much.