If I added 40-60lbs of base rock to my fuge would it start a cycle?

if you add it all right away it would probably cause an ammonia spike
I would add it slowly and gradually over time in order to avoid a spike

Thanks I wasnt to sure. Slow and steady sounds like its the answer for everything in this hobby.

If it's base rock, there's nothing living or dying on it. I don't understand why it would cause an ammonia spike. Isn't all you'd be doing adding more surface area for bacteria to spread to?

Base rock is still alive unless it's dry rock that hasn't been cycled at all. Even with base rock there can be an amount of life that can die off during transport causing a spike in ammonia. By adding a little at a time you minimize the possibility of a spike.

Ah, ok. I've seen base rock and dry rock used interchangeably. Didn't realize they were different.