Making a portable cooler livewell

[toppwatr]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to make a livewell to hold bass for a lunker tournament at the lake and I have a big enough cooler so now I just have to make it a livewell. Could I just get an aerator and stick that in there? Like one of those ones made for that? Or do I have to have something to pump the water? Again, I'm just looking to hold one or two bass for a few hours at the maximum, I don't think I'm ready for a real limit tournament. Any feedback appreciated. Thanks

[Bubba_Bruiser]

We used to use those kinds without any problem that hooked up to you TM battery. I don't know where you live, but a big concern is going to be the heat too. I would keep the aerator running and keep a smaller cooler with some ice to help keep the water temp stable. Keep a thermometer in the cooler to make sure it doesn't get too far out of check with the water you caught her out of. And then again, don't ice the fish too much to throw her in shock.

[toppwatr]

Ok. If I do all of that do I still have to change the water?

[Raul]

Originally Posted by toppwatr

Ok. If I do all of that do I still have to change the water?

Yes, partial water changes every now and then will keep your fish better. The well being of your fish is ruled by these variables:

1.- Oxygen content ---> eareator w/ diffusor
2.- Water temperature ---> ice packs
3.- Low ammonia levels ---> partial water changes

[toppwatr]

Perfect. I got a super saver 12 volt aeration system that pumps water in and out, has an emergency bilge pump, and can aerate and cool up to 35 gallons. It's great.

[toppwatr]

Just had one more quick question. Can I use something like a plastic tub for the livewell as long as i have the aeration and cooling system and i change the water often? or do you have to use a cooler?

[BassMoJo]

For a quick set up buy yourself a bilge to take water in an Aerator be sure to bring some ice and somebsort of livewell treatment like catch and release never hurts. As far as ice I just use old bottles