turkeybuster Posted February 24, 2008 Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 I'm planning on building a bait tank for bluegill for when I go catfishing. I was wondering if anyone knew how to make one. I'm plannin on holding a dozen or two bluegill about 4-6 inches. Really not sure how to do this. Any suggestions are appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted February 24, 2008 Report Share Posted February 24, 2008 For that amount, best thing I can tell you is see if you can find a 55gl PLASTIC barrel, clean it super good, cut 95% of the top out, get a 20-50gl aerator from WALMART. Cost, about $15-$20. I use two, and will keep anywhere from 20-40 PER tank with that very same setup for around two weeks. I may lose about 1-2 a day, if that. I'm sure you know it, but make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. Any questions just ask Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardwood_HD Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 i have tried to keep minnows in a tank but they always die overnight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Go to your local Tractor Supply store and get a watering tank. You can get a plastic or galvanized one. Then go to your pet shop and get an aerator large enough for the job. Whala you have a bait tank. Be sure to change your water every couple days to remove fish poop and scoop out any dead fish immediately. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turkeybuster Posted February 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Thanks. I'm hoping this helps cause everytime I just try to keep them in just some water they always end up dieing. It would be nice to have live bait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted February 25, 2008 Report Share Posted February 25, 2008 Whatever you use, don't fill it with tap water! The chlorine will kill them. Use rainwater or water from a lake, pond or stream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted February 27, 2008 Report Share Posted February 27, 2008 Whatever you use, don't fill it with tap water! The chlorine will kill them. Use rainwater or water from a lake, pond or stream. Good point! But if tap water is all you have, fill up several buckets and set them aside. The chlorine was disapate after 3-4 days then you can use the tap water when you change the water in your tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turkeybuster Posted February 28, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2008 What can I use to like treat the water so that the fish live longer. I have read different things on what you can put in there. One guy said he puts a lil bit of salt in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 If the water has chlorine in it, I don't know. There is some stuff out there that will treat the water, but I can't remeber the name, thought it was BAIT SAVER, but it's not. But like others have said,keep the water clean of dead fish, and a good aerator, and you shouldn't have a problem. I wouldn't suggest a black or even metal tank, they will draw in heat if in the sunlight. IMO, it is IMPERATIVE to keep the water as cool as possible, BUT if to cold when you put the bait in, it will shock them, I did that ONCE!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted February 29, 2008 Report Share Posted February 29, 2008 Pretty sure Bait Saver is the name of the commercial stuff. It will help, but you'll still have problems if you use tap water. Good idea about letting the tap water sit in an open container. The chlorine only stays dissolved in the water when it's under pressure. That's why the water company is supposed to keep a minimum 20 psi on the lines. Give it a couple of days and all of the chlorine will percolate out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntrout Posted March 3, 2008 Report Share Posted March 3, 2008 you could use a ice chest with a bubbler and well water works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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