Dono, I used to use a gallon ziplock to hydrate feed, but have recently switched to a 2 gallon plastic bucket. It's pretty basic, just add the amount of dry feed first, then enough pond water to allow everything to become mixed well. I let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then mix it up and let it sit another few minutes. The temp. plays a big role in determining how long to let it hydrate. The warmer it is, the faster it will soften. I want to have the feed remain in pellet form, but be soft throughout. Not a mushy paste.

Various feed brands and formulations will hydrate differently. The newer AQ from this year takes longer than the same AQ from last year, the Skretting is a nightmare to work with, and that awesome Optimal feed hydrates easily. My gripe with hydrating feed is the same issue I have with mechanical feeders...that being the inability to adjust and compensate amounts from day-to-day. Feeding dry by hand is both easy and efficient. You're able to let the fish tell you what (how much) they want. But hydrating requires a little more commitment to a specific amount, unless you can keep hydrated feed over until the next day, (too much) or are willing and able to spend additional time waiting for another batch to soften (too little).

Cecil, I have not fed Zeigler's products, and I'm curious how they work out for you. I will be switching to Optimal full time next season, even if it means running north with the trailer for a pallet at a time.

There's an idea? Keep that in mind my fellow southern Indiana pondmeisters...if I make a feed run I would be glad to haul back some extra.

"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.