Great answer Bill. That is an archive answer to how long do I have to wait to stock. I did not know you could purchase crustacean zooplanktonic organisms . I may give them a try just for the heck of it.

Prags1 said "Just recently had 3 small tanks combined into on large tank." I assumed that meant 3 small existing ponds were connected. That, if correct, should help jump start the plankton community. It has also had water for at least 3 weeks.

Food Items Reported for Pimephales promelas

http://www.fishbase.org/TrophicEco/FoodI...pecies=promelas

I would try 2lbs of FH that were spawned early this spring and see if they would have a late spawn this fall. Not many $ risked and you might get lucky. If not they will spawn next spring. If things go ok then BG about a month later.