Algae eating fish are generally unnecessary until after the cycling process is completed. Adding a handful of gravel from a healthy, well established tank may shave a few days off the cycling time, especially if done after the ammonia has already dropped. Commercial cycling products might help to keep the peak levels a bit lower, but do not seem to produce shorter cycles consistently. Once the cycle is in progress, it's best to not add other fish until it is complete. It's also best to feed regularly, once or twice per day, but sparingly.
Any uneaten food can worsen the already poor water quality.
Periodic testing of water chemistry will help to determine if a tank is on course during the break in period. Break-in fish may show signs of distress, including rapid breathing, loss of appetite and skittishness during the peak times of the cycle. Cutting back on the feeding will also help keep levels in check. The total cycling time for most aquariums at 78 degrees F. is about thirty days , although it may take quite a bit longer at lower temperatures. On rare occasions, some tanks will mysteriously stay at the nitrite peak for weeks or even months.