Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding Optimal Bluegill fish food

No clue as to the consistency, but maybe just grind it up in a blender?

It's floating, and if it isn't eaten, I've seen it float for close to 12 hours.

I've tried that and it was a PITA to feed a lot of fish. Also the starter feeds are usually much higher in protein and lipids, which smaller fish need.

Cecil, there IS some starter feed that they make already for the Aquaculture market. It's a lot more expensive than the Optimal Sunfish food, but that's because of the ingredients that are used. I think I had a quart bag here and I may have put it in the freezer to keep longer.

I think that starter food was around $5/lb.

I'll have to check to see if there's any of the newest production run food here in Indiana. Here's a picture of the newest production run that has the 3 different sizes in the same bag:

Is there a phone number to call to order this food? I would like to talk to a person before I order. Who do we ask for. Is it someone here on the forum? I already have others interested in the product here in Texas.

Call Scott (esshup) at: http://www.hoosierpondpros.com/
Phone number is on the site.

That's the man to talk to.

Flame, good talking to you tonight. I'm getting a PM together to send to you in a bit.

Thanks for update! Yeah, I live in Haughton, LA, though the pond is in Texas.

Starting feeding Optimal today and after the 30 sec get to know me session they were aggressively hitting it.Thanks Scott for the prompt service

Hey, Scott. It's been two weeks since I ordered and still have no notice from Fed Ex. Getting a little nervous since stocking is coming soon, probably a few days after the blessed rains.

Should I call someone? Any info?

Thanks. I really would like to give Optimal a try on my new pond!

Still MIA and I sent in a USPS money order.

Check your PM.

Since you were coming down for fish, I was going to give you the bag then and refund the shipping $.

But, I'll tell Matt to ship it.

I was not aware of that plan. I thought it was shipping from the factory.

Thanks so much, Scott. Glad to hear they are already shipped!

I am really looking forward to seeing how my newly stocked CNBG, FHM, and especially RES react! Bob Lusk is my pond consultant and will watching closely, too.

Hey, Scott. Got a quick question for you at PM.

Thanks...

Frank

The half and full pallets are shipped direct, the individual bags are shipped here from Indiana.

PM sent. Looking at the tracking number, it will arrive Monday.

Any idea on shipping cost for half or full pallets to SC Nebraska?

PM sent

FWIW I have been watching this thread with interest. From my limited experience, IMHO Purina has enjoyed top status for a long time do to their ability to distribute a reasonably good product at a reasonable price. As far as I can figure, there are other foods out there that are as good or better but cost of distribution is always where they fall short. If this new chow can jump that cost effective distribution hurdle, it could change the market.

Thanks, Scott. Came in today. Pond finally got enough rain to make a big difference, too.

How did the boxes look? Still attached together? Beat up bad?

This year is a learning year for different shipping techniques.

Scott, the cardboard boxes are a little beat up, but they are attached quite well. I opened them up and the feed bags look in great shape. I'm sure the feed got squashed a little, but from the looks of things damage is minimal.

Question: How long does it stay good for? A month, a few months, half a year? Hopefully we'll run out soon after stocking, but I'm curious.

If you look on the bag, there should be a "use by" date. I was told that the date is really about 3-4 months earlier than when it really needs to be used because of different holding temps. i.e. Northern ponds vs. southern ponds. Hotter temps degrade the vitamin package faster. The date on the bag is worst case.