a/ Connect up all pipework, pumps, valves, UV etc etc.
b/ Fill up with de-chlorinated water through a water meter so that
you know the exact pond & filter volume.
c/ Switch on everything that will be operating in normal cicumstances and
leave to run for at least a few days to check for leaks, flow rates,
filter head-loss etc etc. This gives you time to drain down & fix any problems
or tweak the system to get optimal flow before any fish go in.
d/ Take some 'mature' filter media from your existing filter and use it in your
new filter to 'seed' it and help the new filter to mature.
e/ Introduce a couple of fish as 'test-pilots' and leave for perhaps another week
or more to see how they fare. Obviously monitoring them everyday for anything untoward.
f/ Test water parameters regularly (ammonia, nitrite, pH etc )
g/ When all seems to be going OK, add new fish slowly so the new filter has time
to accomodate more fish.
Sorry if you know all this already ............
Posted on May 11, 2009, 3:38 PM from IP address 62.49.78.98