Cherokee,
You don't have to add bacteria. It will grow in your biofilter
when the temps are right.
I have never added bacteria to my biofilter, it works just fine.

he can step it up with live bacteria though if he is worried.
I was always told that bacteria starts growing when the water temperature is over 55 or so.
I kind of have the same concerns. Thats why I planted my veggie filter so early. I don't want to get into my pond yet because it is cold but I would feel a lot better if I had the leaves off of the bottom gone and the bacteria in my filters going well.

Ok, along these lines...I've added extra bacteria, since we've had some cold snaps. Now my 'pond', mind you it's on my patio and only 90 gallons, is reading the following: Ammonia went down to 1, Nitrites have gone up to .25, and nitrates are at 20. Should I add anything? I'm doing fishless cycling and the shrimp are 'gone'
thanks