Hiya,
I'm a newbie too, but was able to cycle my tank in less then two weeks. Granted....I'm still on pins and needles so I can't guarantee it.
I put 25 lbs of live rock in a 37 gallon tank. This LR was in my LFS for at least two months, so it was completely cured and had lots of little things growing on it.
A lot of folks recommend the dead cocktail shrimp to get it going.
However...the main rule of thumb...PATIENCE!!!!
Meadbhb