If a specific post was interesting or useful to you, we recommend that you Like that post. It tells the post author, and others, that you found the information valuable. Clicking Like is another way to let others know that you enjoy it without leaving a comment.
Log in to join the conversation and Like this content.
Thanks again for all the questions, We will attempt to answer all the questions with video answers. Once we figure out how to make better videos; the answers will get better We thought this would be a fun way for some of you to see what goes on at a feed mill and our research centers.
We hope you enjoy our videos! At Optimal Fish Food, we strive every day to create feeds that will increase growth, health, and longevity for your fish, but at the end of the day, we are all about growing memories that will last a lifetime. As little kids, on weekend visits to our grandpa's house, he would show us how to shock up worms and we would grab some of his rods and walk to the creek in hopes of catching a fish. Unfortunately, our grandpa wasn't around to see the start of Optimal Fish Food, but it's because of memories like that, which is why we do what we do.
If your goal is to relax by your pond and throw out a handful of feed to watch your fish eat while you enjoy a sunset, or a place to take your grandkids so they can catch their first bluegill, or if your goal is to try to grow a trophy bass then keep doing it and keep having fun. With so many variables at play in a community like Pond Boss, where everyone has different fish, ponds, goals, budgets, and locations, there is no perfect answer for everyone. What works great for one might not work great for another, but having a place to share our experiences, build a community, and grow memories is, in the end, why we are all here.
Every one of you has experiences, theories, and ways you go about enjoying your hobbies, your ponds, and your fish, and we want you to continue doing that.
This industry has been growing rapidly, and innovation and research are constantly being developed, reviewed, and put to the test. As a result, theories around aquaculture and fish management from decades ago have evolved and have been built upon year over year. We like to compare this to a great car mechanic who retired in 1970 with a vast knowledge of fixing a vehicle with four wheels and a combustible engine. Still, if they completely stopped learning about its evolution, they would have difficulty fixing a car built in 2022. Yes, some of the fundamentals would be the same, but I'm sure that mechanic would be wide-eyed and amazed to see where the car is today. Much the same is true in this industry; the evolution of ingredients, formulations, fish nutrition, and feed extrusion has become far more sophisticated from decades ago and developed layers upon layers to the point that the pioneers in the industry would be amazed to see the science has continued to evolve.
With that, we hope you enjoy our attempts at answering some questions. We hope they spark new questions. We hope we get better at making videos. And We hope you continue having fun at your ponds and continue to grow memories that will last a lifetime!
Question: Will Yellow Perch and Hybrid Striped Bass grow just as well on regular "general" fish food, or should they have food specifically for them?
Answer: Short answer - No. In order to optimize the growth potential of a fish, it is essential to meet the minimum nutritional requirements. Each species of fish, and each of their life stages, has different requirements. If "general" fish food does not contain the proper nutrition to hit the minimal requirements of the fish, then the fish will not grow as well.
Question: What is next at Optimal?
Answer: One new thing we are about to launch is our line of Premium Starter Feeds. This line has eight sizes and three formulations.
Question: Any technical advancements at Optimal?
Answer: Always, this will be something we will cover in multiple videos. This video briefly talks about the pulverizer we use in the manufacturing process.
Question: Is sinking feed healthier?
Answer: Not necessarily. All pelleted feeds have requirements within a formulation for them to be able to hold their shape and handle being thrown into water. A feed can be designed to float or sink based on the setup and operation of the extruder much more than based on the formulation of the feed.
Coming Soon: Question: Is there a way to determine how much of the food the fish is actually utilizing and how much of the food is passing through the fish and is not digestible? How much of that utilized food is assimilated? Question: What is the impact of night feeding? Question: What happens to the difference in FCR? Question: What are the chances my red ear sunfish will visit my feeder frequently with optimal junior if they haven't been pellet trained in cages? Question (ongoing): Additional changes, improvements, and pipelines for Optimal? Question: Do you feel the pre-soaking or 'hydrating' of feed is worth the effort?
We thought this would be a fun way for some of you to see what goes on at a feed mill and our research centers. 
