View Full Version : Aerators for livewell/baitwell question
steve(IL)
06-11-2002, 11:58 AM
I sometimes run an aerator while keeping bait overnight at home. I'm always surprised how cold the water gets by morning. I guess I shouldn't be since evaporation is a cooling process. My question is this: for warm weather tournaments, might it be better to run in recirculate mode with an aerator or continue to exchange warmer (perhaps oxygen depleted) surface water? Also, how much of a temperature change can the fish handle without going into shock? Do DC aerators draw many amps? Do many folks run aerators already?
Thanks to all who reply.
My pumps have a less than 5 amp fuse, so they can't draw much. I'd say recirculate and use catch and release formula for fish and their other formula for bait. It's good stuff. For your pumps, a good thing to add is a Flowrite fitting. It uses a venturi effect to inject air into the water as it leaves the pump. It really helps.
steve(IL)
06-11-2002, 03:21 PM
N/M - looking for more feedback
perchjerker
06-11-2002, 03:33 PM
About all I can add is the cooler you can keep the water, the longer they will last. Since fish are cold blooded, the cold water slows their metabolsim down. Sometimes I keep minnows in my old fridge in the basement and they last a long time that way.
WallyHunter15 (IL)
06-11-2002, 05:27 PM
Hey Steve... Where in Illinois are you located? You at all near Central IL. if so, where do you all fish? Im always looking for fish'n partners! Have a good one!
><}}'>
"Gone Fish'N"
In the summer time - a really good way - to keep minnows on the boat - is to keep them in a cooler with a block of ice in the cooler.
Even with no further aeration, it is likely that the minnows will last and last.
The cold water slows down the metabolism and the need for 02.
This really beats a minnow bucket - but not as convenient as a built in bait well in your boat.
However, the ice block in a cooler will keep your bait all day.
Do the same thing for worms or leeches, and they will live a long time.
Especially, if using leeches and worms - if you keep a smaller cooler with about a 2 lb block of ice in it - you can keep your bait for several days, before all the ice melts.
Take care
REW
steve(IL)
06-12-2002, 05:48 AM
Thank you for your reply REW. The question I meant to ask was really more about livewell strategies for keeping fish alive. An aerator (bubble type) combined with the re-circ mode on the livewell system seems like it might be better for the fish. I am a little concerned about shocking the fish with the temperature change though.