Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding Is GFC a better value than Aquamax 400?

If a 50 lb. bag of Aquamax 400 costs $47 and is 45% protein and a 50 lb. bag of Game Fish Chow costs $27 and is 32% protein, which is the better value for supplemental feeding of bluegills?

The cost per pound for Aquamax is $0.94 and GFC is $0.54/lb.. With those assumptions, the cost to get a pound of protein to the fish is $2.10 for Aquamax and $1.69 for GFC. But you only have to use 2.23 lbs. of Aquamax while using 3.125 lbs. of GFC.

Because I only intend to use feed as a supplemental food source, I assume the amount of feed I provide each day won't be so great that fish get full and stop eating. Should I go with the GFC because it's cheaper? I never was good at math and my head hurts.

It depends on your pond and goals. I use both in various manners during a feeding year. Try both but first tell us your facts.

When do use one over the other?

IMO if your goal is just supplimental feeding then GFC is good for BG although the smaller GFC pellet size I think is larger than that of AM400. To get a little more value of AM use AM500($32-$34/50 lb = $0.68/lb) which is a pellet size similar to the smaller pellet of GFC. IMO BG in similiar conditions will grow faster and eat more on AM compared to GFC. A techincal study would have to prove the differences. Several studies have shown 32% protein is adequate for BG growth. Truth be known overcrowding and social structure balance of BG probably has more affect / influence on BG growth than the protein difference between GFC and AM.

If your pond is larger and you are feeding hundreds or a 1000+ pounds per year then cost could be more important depending on your fishery budget. Since I only feed about 150-200 lbs/yr then for me the cost difference is minimal.

I agree with Bill's comments. I mix them up so they get some of both. Usually the AM by hand on weekends but sometimes I add both to the feeder. One interesting note is the AM fish oils rub off and soak into the GFC. The AM is a protein plus. As the water cools I use more AM to up their body mass and lipid level before winter.

You guys are great! Everything I've learned about ponds has been because of this forum!

I have a different experience. I mix GFC and AMAX. Don't remember the # but the AM pellet is 3/16 inch. Large BG aren't picky but the smaller, up to 5 or 6 inches, ignore the AM and go straight for the GFC.

I'm going to feed some straight AM this week and see what happens.