AERATOR?

[leafs]

I BOUGHT A RAPALA SPORTSMAN AERATOR. IT RUNS ON 2 D CELL BATTERIES. IS THIS BIG ENOUGH TO KEEP A COUPLE OF FISH ALIVE IN A TUB OF WATER OR DO I NEED SOMETHING BIGGER. ON THE NET IT SAYS FOR BAIT AND FOR FISH,MAYBE THEY MEAN VERY SMALL FISH FOR BAIT

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: AERATOR?

sure that will keep a couple of fish alive in a tub. well, i guess it all depends on what kind of fish, how big, what water you're using, and how big of a tub... <br /><br />but i used to keep a dozen 6" wild shiners for a couple of days in pond water in a 48qt igloo cooler. just added ice to keep them cool. and that was with a little battery operated stone bubbler type aerator from walmart.

 

[Jwill]

Re: AERATOR?

A friend gave me one of those battery operated bait aerators and from the looks of how it operates I doubt if it would keep anything alive.<br />It pushes air out a tube through a stone and then the air bubbles go straight to the top and dissipate.<br />I don't think the air mixes with the water.<br />It just makes bubbles that rise to the surface; worthless in my opinion.<br />A real livewell aerator sprays water that mixes with the existing water.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: AERATOR?

well, i admit it was @ 15yrs ago, so not sure on the specifics. but it was one of those same bubblers- i think it was @ $6.00, and the batteries lasted @ 1day. i think it took 2 C cells. the shiners i normally caught/bought were 4". not as good a solution as the fancy aerators you can get now, that spray water into a cooler and attach with suction cups, for sure <br /><br />but i have aerated livewells on my boat now

 

[wikelam]

Re: AERATOR?

I have tried one of those. In any kind of heat, will not even work on bait. Best bet is to go to walmart and get a big bubbles. it is an aerator that has a 12-14 inch tube going verticle with cap and holes. hooks up to 12 volt battery. this will keep any thing alive. just put it in an old ice chest, about 32qt? have used this method for about 5 years. put it in my truck for pond fishing or in my small boat for creek or small lake fishing. i think it costs less than $20.

 

[Red Rider]

Re: AERATOR?

Its best to spend a few extra dollars and just get a small bilge pump. Use some hose and have fresh water enter near the bottom, (not splashing into the water) and have an over flow hose to remove the overflow water.<br /><br />Its not just lack of oxygen that kills your bait or fish. Its temperature change (usually heat), and/or ammonia build up.<br /><br />You will find your bait stays in great shape and is active on your hook. Humans are about the only predators that like dead lifeless things to eat.<br />