Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

put a few pellets in, as it soaks up some water it will soften up and they'll pick it apart

you could "pre-hydrate" some pellets by putting some in a ziplock baggie with some water and refridgerate overnight

Scotty - What kind of fish do you have? What kind of Purina fish food do you use? I just contacted my dealer and he only has Tropical Fish and Catfish (Floating and sinking) pellets, but said he can order another style if necessary.

I have Channel Catfish fingerlings which are eating Purina's floating pellets (3/32 size). I'm not sure of the product name/id since I got these from a feed dealer who was nice enough to sell a portion from the bag, so mine didn't come with the label (it's in a ziplock bag). This is my first year with Channel Catfish. TCLynx has grown these longer and could steer you to a good catfish food but the fish need to be willing to eat it.

I've never thought of goldfish as picky eaters. I would try what Keith recommended. I've also taken a roll of tape, placed it on the counter, put some 1/4 inch pellet trout chow in the ring (when I used to grow trout) and then droped a six inch section of 2 x 2 on the pellets (or use a mallet) to fracture them (get less powder than your method). Just put your hand under the counter and slide the tape roll over the edge so the food drops in your hand.