When cycling i usually get a nitrIte spike that pegs the test kit in about 2 days. With no feeding of the fish it returns to 0.0 2-3 days later. I also cycle with fish and do not use live rock.
During cycle the absolute last thing you want id to add food to the system. Fish and livestock can go for weeks without food, and they will be eating some food from the algae in the tank anyway.