So I have the new pond starting out and have added a few catfish and more than a few SFS minnows (1" to 2") since that is what I could get easily to me started. I also picked up a bag of Sportsman's Choice floating pond and catfish food pellets (again, what I could get easily and locally).

The plan is to primarily raise feeders for the larger pond to be built later and then dump them over the side when I need to boost the food population downstream.

But, for now, I want to get started growing these minnow schools and feed the cats. What should I be looking for to get these guys growing and spawning?

The pond is only a week old so I'm just getting started. But really enjoying sitting down there and spotting fish.