We are here in walford IA and the redear are doing really well. They are on year 2 in our pond and have been going to town on the snails. Many of the lakes east of desmoines have a lot of redear in them. They do well to keep your snails in check. Go for it they won't eat pellets but they fight even harder then the gills. Neat to see as well. Where is your pond at in eastern Iowa?