My last question is if I do stick with the rock already in the tank, would a fish-in cycle work well, and if so is it better to do it sooner rather than later? Fish-in cycle seems the most appealing to me, although I am open to other suggestions.
You would be subjecting your fish to lots of stress and even if they survive, they may have decreased lifespan and be more susceptible to diseases. I would strongly recommend fishless cycle.
