Originally Posted by BJ Nick
YES: new 1/4 pond. Technically first stocking. SBS were 3-5" from Jones. using Nutrena "trophy fish seed" from Tractor Supply; reasonable cost, fish attack it immediately. Yeah, minnows/shiners always go right after the food. SBS/GSH/FHM always hang out together, complete for the feed. Getting feed soggy/mushy, and/or pounding feed is a GREAT idea; did that yesterday right after reading these suggestions. Went great. Not sure what "training/teaching" them is necessary(?) since they don't have slightest hesitation going for it. Please clarify. Understood re: feeing in limited amounts that will be "cleared" to avoid massive organic buildup.

I would switch to a much higher quality feed. Fish Food growth tests were done a number of years ago. with Optimal Feed vs Tractor Supply "Trophy Grower" mix. 40# of Optimal grew the same amount of fish flesh as 120# of the TSC Trophy Grower fish food. The closest thing you can get now to the old Optimal Feed is the new Endurance Fish Food. Order it on-line, the price you see includes shipping.

A customer last month bought feed from the local fed store. She didn't remember the brand that she bought, but sh said the fish were picking and spitting the fish food. I gave her a bag of good fish food and told her that if they didn't eat it, I'd take the remainder of the bag back and not charge her for it. She called the other day and said she has to pay me for the bag of fish food, they are not picking and spitting the new feed.

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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).