Bait Tank Question

Which is the method for a bait tank to keep blue back herring alive? An aerator system that pumps oxygen into the tank or a recirculating system?

I currently have my tank setup to recirculate but the pump and pipes are inside the tank. I am losing some bait of over several hours. The bait tends to get a red nose so I am assuming they are running into the pump or pipe. I am planning on changing this setup an want some feed back before I spend the money.

Thanks.

How big is your tank?? I have a 30 gallon recirculating tank. I don’t rely on the recirculating, I use a mr.bubbles and they do fine.

From a discussion earlier this year:

http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=29378

red nose is a sign of low O2

i have a 20 gallon.i generally put 3 dozen in it and have no problem keeping them alive.it is a recirculating one. during the warmer months i add some bait keeper that helps alot when it’s hot.

Check out www.striperboard.com for a TON of info on bait, tanks, etc. I use a 30 gallon Super Bait Saver II tank, and have never lost a bait. BB herring are a pretty fragile bait, and my tank has been well worth the investment. Most of the tournament guys use some type of oxygen system, but I haven’t been able to understand how that helps, when you put the bait into normally oxygenated lake water to fish…? Good luck, and if you look around the striperboard, you can generally find a good deal on a used tank.

I have an “Ed’s Bait Tank”.

Goto http://www.edsbaittanks.com/

It is very resonable and seems to work ok.
It uses a recirculating pump, but also brings air in. Pretty neat idea.

I will say though, that the salt water is rough on the electronics. It was not designed for salt water. I’ve had to replace a few connectors.

This guy builds them somewhere around Newberry. He also sells them on ebay. Great price though (around $140), no more than I use it.

TheHawg

I use a 40 gallon Super Bait Tank II and never have any problem keeping bait for a couple of days, in winter time they will live for a week or more if I keep the pump running.

Make sure you are adding the rock salt and bait saver to the water, SALT IS A MUST.

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