When I started mine I did as Mr. Cody is saying. I bought a cheap 9 dollar blender at Wal Mart. Would hit it a few times and crush it. I put enough to fill the large coffee can about 2/3 full. Then put three 1/3 cups in it and shook it. I would leave it in the fridge. I could feed out of that for a few days...although I didn't have 1000 fish either. Worked very well. I also used the feed ring. Took a week or so...but they found the ring and were ALWAYS there waiting! Its fun...congrats on finally getting them in there!