I think most of us have probably wrestled with the " feed or no feed" question at one time or another. This most recent development with my feed supplier does nothing to change my opinion on the matter, as I have seen the positive results my feeding program has produced. And while I am attempting to locate a substitute feed, I am not worried that my fish will perish during the interim. It's not their survival that I'm concerned about, I simply want to continue furthering the advanced growth rate I have observed thus far, due in no small part to supplemental feeding.
We have two ponds here that we do not feed, and they have done very well for themselves over the last few decades. So it's quite apparent that feeding pellets is not a requirement, rather it's a choice.
Adding biological forage is a cornerstone of pond management. And many feel that this is a more natural choice, and I would not argue that opinion. I would however, point out that adding additional forage is, from my point of view anyway, a form of un-natural management in itself. We've all seen those giant RES coming out of Havasu, and biologists believe their tremendous growth is due in no small part to the arrival of invasive Quagga mussels, introduced by man. Tampering with the natural eco-system? I think so.
I don't feel that our decision to feed pellets has tied my hands, or restricted my options at all. There are no mechanical feeders here, as in our situation they are entirely unnecessary. Biological forage swims and breathes....using up valuable space within the allocated carrying capacity of a BOW. Pellets may contribute to water quality issues, or weed growth... Adding biological forage carries the risk of introducing an undesirable species into the BOW, and can be tough to implement successfully into an established ecosystem. Pellets can be added anytime.
