I got a good deal on a slightly used 47 gallon bow-front tank.
1)what is the ideal method of cycling a tank-I've read many different techniques, but most of them were largly based on opinion...
2) how can one tell if the 'cycle' is complete-and successful?
3) is it wise to use cycling chemicals to speed the process?

http://

Still empty-just finished cleaning it and applying the background...

Nice new tank!!!

This link should answer your questions.
www.oscarfishlover.com/helpful-articles/cycling-an-aquarium

When you test your water, it will have zero nitrite and ammonia, but will have a good solid nitrate reading, around 10ppm. You can use stress zyme or some other bacteria in a bottle to help speed it up, but you cant 'cheat' the cycle completly, still will take several weeks.

Try a fishless cycle. Otherwise, nicki has you covered with that link!

nice tank mate

most newbie ask on how to cycle tank when they have fish/es already.
but starting from zero is the most appropriate cycling to do.... either
fishless or with fish in it. but if you want a fast track approach,
here are some pointers:
1) if you knew someone who have extra running filter, borrow it and you
can start instant cycle tank.
2) if you knew someone who have extra running filter but could not lent
you the filter itself, ask to exchange all media, set it in your filter,
and there you are ready to go...
3) if you knew someone who ahve establish tank, request to run your filter
in his/her tank for a few weeks to cycle your filter...after two to three weeks,
your filter is ready and cycled.

if none of the above, you have to go as Nickie had suggested...

welcome to the site

Hey there and welcome.
What you plan on keeping in there?

Welcome to OFL

Is the tank us or uk gallons. Its a little small for an oscar you know?

being this is a used tank, I have the filters as well. We just rinsed them off a bit during the disassembly.
Thanks for all the input!!!