Mine will take pellets if it hasn't had live for a few days, but I've found that this isn't enough for them. Depending on the size (mine is about 20 inches), goldfish are the way I go. I read someone was feeding his pinky mice but I ain't goin there, unless I want to live alone, lol. If there is nothing else in the tank, I'm sure you can convert him, but there is no way I could with 4 oscars also. The oscars eat the pellets too fast for him to get enough pellets. Why are you trying to get him away from live?