livewell questions

[Bug Bunny]

After having my livewell pump go bad before start of last tourney, I've been thinking (we lost three fish by the way). My boat only has one pump ('07 SX 180). I put water in the boat with my tournament bag and replinished it every 20-30 minutes but it didn't seem to help.

So here's my question, what steps can I take to ensure keeping fish alive and ehalthy? Please bear in mind I am new to tournament fishing so ALL ideas welcomed. Thanks in advance.

I'm looking to buy some of the chemical additive before our next one but am looking at other steps as well.

[frogbite]

I would carry a spare pump cartridge and think about adding another pump. This is something that has always concerned me with my buddies 188VS Ranger as it has a similar setup. If you lose the pump, that is it.

[Bug Bunny]

I had time to do a lil research this afternoon. Found a product. . . . . OXYGENATOR™ by O2 Marine Products. Said it comes standard on some skeeters. Looked easy to install. Any opinions on this?

[oldbasser1]

I have the Oxygenator system on my 21 i.I didn't lose even one fish last year but I don't know if the oxygenator was the reason.

[PSM207]

07repsol - Give me a call.

[frogbite]

Not sure the oxygenator would be a big help if you pump fails. It may help a bit, but I would suspect it would not be a solution to losing a pump.

[wgstelz]

I think the Oxygenator is good but depending on where you are fishing it might not be needed. I belive it is popular in the states that get really warm temps, but I am not really knowledage about it.

Adding a second pump sounds like a great idea, and the spare cart is also very helpful.

I have seen guys even go as far as getting a portable aerator (with alligator clips) and keeping that tucked away in an apartment. This helps because if you are having an electrical problem or can't access the pump to troubleshoot it on the water you can put in the aerator in just a few minutes, fill the livewell with your weigh in bag or something like that and you are good to go. You just need to remember to unhook the clips every once and a while so you don't kill your battery. I know them make other portable aerators that run off 9V batteries, but I don't think they would do a great job keeping fish alive (just a guess, maybe some other have tried this and can comment on it..)

-Walt

[fishin couillon]

http://www.thmarine.com/product.cfm?PRID=44You might also check out something like this. This one is by TH Marine but i found a similar product at Academy that does the same thing & i believe cheaper. Yes, it does get hot down here, i know what you mean.

[PSM207]

The T&H Pro Air works very well, so does the Power Bubbles system made by Marine Metal Products. Both are very affordable, with very good performance.

http://www.marinemetal.com/

[fishin couillon]

Power Bubbles was the other one i was trying to think of. I was thinking Mr. bubbles. The Mr. B's is probably cheaper than T&H.

[PSM207]

I have the Power Bubbles in my SL190, and it works very well.