My deep freeze bait tank

[robkersmarki]

I am making a bait tank and have a few questions and it might be easier if I make a thread on this.

Here is what I have to begin my bait tank build.

Deep freezer

Pool Pump/filter


I also have some pvc/ totes, and a few other things laying around. I have the mechanical filter (pool filter/pump) but what about my aireation, bio filter and chem filter. I have been pondering this the past few days. 

Thanks again to all those who post

Rob from Illinois

[Kevin23]

Personally I'd ditch the mechanical filter, you will not be feeding these fish in the winter so it should not be needed. Just use a bio filter (tub and scrubbies). You may need extra aeration, you may not... it all depends on what your outflow looks like. When it doubt, air it out.

[Clear_Ice]

I am planning on doing the same thing soon! This is definitely a post that I will be watching closely! 

CI

[robkersmarki]

Here is how I am going to build my bio filter. Smaller scale of course... I am making mine out of 5 gallon bucket with lid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWmJvhI7KW4

The pool pump/filter will draw from the tank, mechanicially filter it and send it to the bio filter..
I am making an chemical filter attachment to add on after the bio filter. Something that I can add carbon if needed but do not have to have it in there all the time.

Stay tuned


 

[robkersmarki]

I don't use this in the winter Ill prob be using this april-october maybe. I live in illinois and do a lot of catfishing especially flathead fishing and they love healthy strong live bait. 
 
Oh yeah, I like the mechanical filter and here is why I say that, The pool pump at the top of it, unscrews and the filter comes right out. You can spray it out and put it back in within a minute. Plus if it tears or gets to the point where in needs replaced I can get a 3 pack for 9 dollars and im banking on only replacing it yearly if that. I seen another buddies deep freeze with a similar system that looked great.

I am adding a small pond pump also and hooking it up to a sprayer bar cause like mentioned the more air the better.

 

[Kevin23]

With a bait tank full of flathead bait in the spring/summer you will be cleaning that mechanical filter twice a day or it will be too clogged to run your bio filter. If your mechanical plugs overnight and your bio dries out, you just lost your entire culture of bacteria and need to start the cycle over again. If your tank is full of bait, say goodbye to half of it.

[robkersmarki]

Twice a day with 3-4 dozen fish?  Whatever your smoking.. you need to quit. LoL

[Kevin23]

You have no idea what kind of waste they will produce. I've been doing it for years, both ponds and bait tanks. With 3-4 dozen flathead bait (5-7" bluegills, 8-10" chubs) they will turn the bottom of your tank brown overnight if you turn your pump off. Not to mention in the spring/summer you will have to feed you bait if you plan to hold them for more than 3 days.

[robkersmarki]

I will agree to disagree and move on 

[robkersmarki]

Thanks clear ice I will post photos of it once its assembled.

I have figured out the entire system with the help of my bio balls box and a local pet store owner. Now to buy the last few things and assemble!

Already ready to see the finished product!               

[Kevin23]

I will agree to disagree and move on 

Obviously not considering you just sent me a PM with offensive remarks, which has been reported to the admins. This is a family site.

[bait trap]

How many microns is the pool filter?   Does the pump draw the water through the filter then pump it out or does it draw the water and then pump it through the filter.  Depending on the micron of the filter it could definitely become clogged quickly with a bunch of large catfish bait.  I would  imagine that Your outflow would definitely clue you in as to how clogged your mechanical filter is.  It'll be interesting to see it all together, that's when all the bugs in the system will show themselves.