I REALLY like your rock scape!! Very "Bonsai"ish
The best way (for me) to kick off the cycle is to add some piece of live rock (could be a small temporary piece, a sponge from an existing tank etc) and then add a clean, raw, deli shrimp to the tank. The deli shrimp will "feed" the cycle allowing you to see it's decay.
Test daily and keep accurate notes. Later on you'll be able to go back to your notes and "See" the cycle taking place (on paper).