LP, the true experts can answer this better than I. But as someone who stocked CNBG only a month ago, I will give you my uninformed opinion.
First, if you get small fish, feed them small pellets. I made the mistake of feeding a really good food, Optimal, that was too large for the little guys. Eventually they adjusted, but I should have gone with small feed first.
A fellow PB member swapped me some Cargill small, bb size feed for a sack of Optimal (3/4 inch) just today, and I quickly found that the little CNBG were absolutely delighted to have something they could just swallow whole, no soaking and pecking necessary.
Because digestion slows as the water coolss, smaller size food also is easier on the fish when it gets cold.
Second, don't feed beyond what the fish will eat, especially if you have fertile water. Too much uneaten food can cause problems. Bob Lusk says to stop feeding when the water temp drops below 46 degrees because the fish don't eat much at that point.
Today my fish fed readily, as the water was 62 degrees. But that's going to change this week after the front moves through, and I may have to stop feeding altogether.
Third, whenever you stock the CNBG (and hopefully RES and FHM), let them spawn before stocking LMB. You want a ton of forage for the LMB for maximum growth.
Good luck!
Last edited by anthropic; 12/27/15 01:36 AM.
