Feed dealer got in my Aquamax MVP feed today and thought I would take a picture for those that might not have seen what it looks like. MVP is their new product that is of the Aquamax family but with multiple pellet sizes in one bag instead of one single size pellet like the rest.

In first picture, feed on left is AM Largemouth, in middle is AM MVP and on the right is a mix of AM500 and AM600. Notice pellet sizes.

Second picture is AM400 on the left and AM MVP on the right. Wish I had some Optimal to have put in the pictures but already fed what I had.

So, It doesn't look like there is any small enough for 400 mixed into bag may just 500 and 600?

It has 500 and 600 size and some between the size of 400 and 500. But none as small as 400.

Here are the different Purina fish products. If you click on each one it will tell the different specifications including pellet size.

Purena Fish products

Edit: MVP says 9 different particle sizes ranging from 1/8" to 9/32". For comparison AM 400 is 3/32, AM500 is 3/16 and AM600 is 9/32".

So MVP gets within 1/32 of as small as AM400 (but not much at that size). AM400 is also higher protein at 45% compared to MVP at 43% and AM500-600 at 41%.

So far the MVP works for me.

I've heard that the MVP has both floating & sinking pellets. Is that correct?

Yes. The link below describes it. It does not really say what percentage.

MVP information

You can click on different tabs for additional information.

Edit: Three smallest particles are 50% sinking. So the sizes comparable to AM500 and AM600 would all be floating.

Got some new feed in yesterday so thought I would take some pictures and share them, in case anyone is interested.

Using Aquamax 500 as the standard size with Optimal Bluegill, Junior, Large Mouth, and Hand Toss for comparison.

If you have a cat or a friend (or in my case daughter) with a cat and they use Tidy Cat litter buckets, two of the buckets will hold most of a 40# bag of Optimal or three will hold a 50# Aquamax bag. Mouse proof and keeps the feed fresh. Have them save them for you. They work well for various things around the pond.

For larger amounts my preferred fish food storage is plastic barrels with lids as in the next to last picture. Trash cans also work pretty well. Keeps the rodents, cats, dogs and coons out of it and keeps air from it so it stays fresh till it is fed. I store extra feed in these over the winter.

Edit 4-22-2018: added Optimal Starter #4 2.5mm - the last picture.

John, where did you purchase the Optimal feed from? I like the looks of the Hand Throw, and I bet that my HSB would tear it up.

You can order Optimal online. Looks like they have some specials going on now that includes free shipping etc... I like to use them because it is quality feed and it ships right to your door.

They also sent me some of the hand toss feed and my HSB have responded well to it. It was late in the season last year but this Spring will be using again.

I usually order the Optimal online, since the Aquamax MVP is so hard to get here (special order, takes 3 weeks). The Optimal costs more per pound, but might be the same "bang for the buck"?

Thanks for the info gentleman, I appreciate it. I found the Optimal website, but I didn't know if they had a local dealer or not. I'll place an order this afternoon. Thanks again.

Hey snrub thanks for the info!! Wish I would have found this yesterday. Great info!

I may have to buy a bucket of tidy cats just for the bucket. That would be PERFECT in the back seat of my truck so I can hand toss when I'm walking around the pond!

As for storage...our show calf, horse, and chicken feeds are in trash cans...MY fish food stays in the house under the stairs! Once we had the horses get in the yard and up on the front porch...had my new optimal there also. It was in a can...with a bungee mind you...horse knocks it over...gets lid off...spreads it out all over the porch...but never eats a bite. I was not happy that day. Guess they don't like the smell and taste of fish. lol

After that, the feed stays away from any possible accidents. lol.

Peachgrower's story was pretty good and inspired a little April fools joke from us for all of you. Hope you all enjoy it. Have a great Easter everyone and thanks for all the support!

That explains why the neighbor's horses head for our pond every time they get loose. Must smell the Optimal Chow and fishing poles are right there at the pump house!

I use the Tidy cat buckets for my Optimal chow as well. They work great! I also use them for bird seed, garden fertilizer, ice melt, grass seed, etc. Dang handy! I've got a bunch of extra ones. Thought I would put them at the end of the driveway this summer with a "Free Bucket" sign.

Bill, sounds like you may also need a sign that says "Free Cats" if you go through that much Tidy Cat.

This particular batch I got directly from Optimal web site. When I ordered it they had some specials where if you ordered a couple of different types of feed together there was a discount. I took advantage of that to try some different size feeds. I suspect that was the focus of their program, to get users to try some of the newer pellet sizes.

Look under the Specials and Promotions tab.

I have also ordered from esshup (Hossier Pond Pro web site) before and he ships out promptly too.

Thanks for the reply John, and thank you for posting the photos of the different feeds. I placed my order from the Optimal website this afternoon.

I’ve said this several times before but will repeat again.... the customer service and people at Optimal are second to none. I don’t know enough about fish food to say if it’s the best or not, but the customer service and peace of mind received by using their product is worth any extra money that it may cost (and it doesn’t cost me any more than any of the other feeds).

For those who like Optimal, I advise ordering while you can still get the special. When it's over, prices are going up 10 percent from last year

Anthropic,

There are no plans on increasing our prices from last year. They are the same formulations at the same price, but now with a fancy new website!

I’m using Optimal with good results and have no reason to change. Purine went through some problems that I hear have been corrected. Lusk uses Purina and his fish are doing very well. Some of us visited him last year and some fished using Stubby Steve’s. His BG are are, as would be expected, also doing well. To me, both are premium feeds.

We feed Cargill, Optimal, and Purina. All are targeted at either different sizes or species of fish. Dave's right, all are premium foods, and it's a great time for pond owners. It's awfully nice to have options.

I feed Purena and Optimal and have no problem with either feed. Purena is a little more economical but I have had real issues getting it. I have been feeding some AM500 because that is what the dealer got in but I have had MVP ordered for over a month now and no show.

Edit: I added a new picture under the Optimal feeds compared to AM500 in an above post. It is Optimal Starter #4 2.5mm

Cody Note - Snrub Good job for the pictures.

Glad to hear it! The website stated that the price of a 40 lb sack was going up from $50 to $55, guess this isn't happening.

FWIW I just bought some Optimal BG from the website and it was $50/bag delivered.

I am getting my first bag of Purina Aquamax Largemouth this week from D&D in Seguin $35/50#. I have 15-20 bass always slamming the Aquamax 600 pellets so it time to up the size. it will be fun watching 2-3 lb bass blowing up on the surface.

P.S. 40 lbs. of tilapia are coming in the morning also!! YEEESSS!

Its official! 40 lbs of Tilapia are in my pond. My fish supplier was great as always. On time and priced right.

Picture comparison of Aquamax 600 and Optimal Bass feed.
About the same size far as I can tell.

I've used both Aquamax and Optimal feed. Despite differences in size & appearance, the fish (LMB, CNBG, HSB) seem very happy with both.

Same with mine. they are not picky.