Cycling (fishless)

Question
I'm a newbie and have been cycling my 10 gallon for about a week. I put a plant in there today. I'm excited to add fish but won't until it's complete. I realize the cycle needs ammonia to begin. Will that happen just by having the filter running in the empty tank? Should I add gravel or water from my beta's bowl? Any suggestions are appreciated. If not, I can just wait another month. Thanks!

Answer
Alex,
There are many ways to cycle a tank, but it all boils down to the nitrogen cycle which is as follows...
anything organic breakes down to ammonia, which breaks down to nitrites, which breaks down to nitrates....
A Aquarium Pharm Fresh water test kit would be a good idea.
I would pick up a couple of Cory Cats and put them in there, get water temp around 78 or so feed lightly and monitor the cycle...
If you are going to do live plants, make sure you have the right bulb and use a timer to set up a day nite cycle.
stay with easy plants, like bacopa, some easy varieties of Amazon swords and if you can find some
good valisinera or saggitaria.
The planted tank is a whole different area, google "Dutch Aquarium" for info.
Enjoy your tank!