Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Quick easy way to make moist sinking feed

One can easily soften the pellets in a plastic container with lid such as Kool Whip or appropriate size container. Best softening process takes 4-8 hrs depending on size and brand name of the pellet. They are not all the same. During the open water season I only feed softened pellets. I soften pellets daily.

One quart of pellets (1/4” 5D06) and 6 to 6.5 ounces of water. Warm water speeds softening. Sometimes different batches will require 8 oz of water per quart of pellets. Experiment. Small batches: one cup of pellets & abt 2 tablespoons of water. Shake pellets and water for one full minute or until ALL water is absorbed and NO “gravy” remains. As noted by Cecil above using the bag method, Pellets need to be shaken several times during the first 30min so all soften equally well. Soaking longer is usually better and produces a more pliable pellet - up to 8-10 hrs. Larger pellets soften slower. Overnight soaking for next day use is okay and produces the softest pellets. A light spray of water is sometimes needed to finish the final softening process.

When properly softened, the pellets with stick together when squeezed and mold like damp clay or cookie dough with NO material sticking to your fingers. Pellets sticking to your fingers means they are too damp - too much water was added.


Most soft pellets will float until the air is squeezed out of the pellet - during the molding process. You can refrigerate soft pellets for 1 to 2 days and then they start to form mold. You can freeze soft pellets as single pellets or molded pellets to use later. Thaw and use.