Adding beneficial bacteria to new pond?

[LostInWestTexas]

I'm getting ready to add my liner and fill it up. My question is, do I add one of the beneficial bacteria products they have out there? If so, which one? I'm somewhat confused as to what they do. Are they like the good bacterias that I've been hoarding out of my aquarium filters, for use in seeding my pond filter?

Also, what should the levels on my test strips be at before I add my fish? I've seen so many numbers in threads, my head is spinning.

Thanks for any help. This is my first big pond, I'm trying not to screw up too bad, .

[Kat]

Got an aquarium inside?  If so, add some of the water from it to your pond plus some of the gravel & filter media.  Be sure to dechlor your pond first.

[Jerry]

I believe the beneficial bacteria will happen on it's own too.  Just give it some time.
I don't save the gunk from my filters (good Bacteria)  I feel there is plenty I miss when rinsing.
I have no problem. 2 days after cleaning I have very clear water and happy fish!

There is a drain cleaner of some kind that has the good bacteria.  I know a few that just use that!
Yes, sounds weird.  NO NOT DRANO!

[tranquility]

I have been told by some very knowledge people that the bottled bacteria is just hype..Yes the aquarium gunk will help you start it up.....Your pond can't even begin to cycle with out ammonia--ammonia is a by product of fish...so I say add a few fish that you don't care to loose and wait...keep an eye on your ammonia-here is a really helpful chart when cycling pond just enter your ammonia number and hit recalculate http://www.cnykoi.com/calculators/calcnh3c.asp then scroll down to your water temp and then over to your ph number---it will tell you if those numbers are dangerous to the fish..Also those test strips are not too accurate--I prefer the test tube type kits.....It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to start seeing ammonia...once you no longer are seeing detectable ammonia then you can start to add a few more fish at a time....different bio's mature at different rates...i can tell you the more oxygen going into the bio--the better....I have O2 in both my bio's...
Lawanna

[cindy]

If the aquarium fish isn't the same fish as the pond fish, I'd skip their good bacterias.  Just let the pond cycle with your fish keeping an eye on ammonia ph kh and nitrite. 

[Jerry]

That's why I love Skippy!  I don't do nuttin!