Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding Ignorant but not Stupid

Does there ever come a time when you stop feeding altogether and just let CC and HBG eat forage? I am not looking for record fish in my 1/8 acre pond, just some relaxation for me and the grandkids. I think I am to the point where I stock my pond. I have been running the areator for about 6 hours a night since I got it (2 wks). It hasn't had any effect on the GSF that Mother Nature supplied. I want to stock with about 30 CC 8"/10", 20 HBG Med size, 1 LMB to help control the GSF that 3/4" to 4" and I guess about 5 lbs on minnows.

I know I have to buy feed to get everything started and jump start growth but does there come a time when I stop using pellets altogether?

hd82, there is no rule that says you ever have to feed. It always depends on your goals and budget for your pond.

I'm far from a stocking expert, but if your pond will only have HBG and CC, using pelleted feed will be cheaper than minnows as a food source. CC are voracious eaters and HBG simply can not produce enough forage for the CC. I wouls think adding one female LMB in your .125 acre pond would be a great choice to handle HBG offspring. If you want to reduce the amount you feed, some coppernose bluegill would be a nice addition as a forage producer.

In that sized pond, I'd only stock 20 CC along with the other fish, unless you plan on taking about 1/3 of them out this year. The carrying capacity of your pond won't be very large because of the small size, approximately 70# total, and that's if you continue to aerate.

thanks guys, as always asking questions will get you results. the difference between ignorant and stupid is being smart enough to ask if you don't know, that will fix your ignorance. "You can't fix STUPID", Ron White, Blue Collar Comsdy Tour. Get 'er Done!