Livewell/Baitwell design - Input needed!

[navigator336]

Re: Livewell/Baitwell design - Input needed!

Right on all accounts except it will be pressure that moves the water out the drain rather than suction. The pressure is from the "hydrostatic head height". The water height in the riser will of course be the same as that in the tank. As the tank height rises, out goes the water through the drain which prevents the tank height from really changing at all (the drain is much bigger than the inlet). The bleeder hole size doesn't matter much. An 1/8" is fine, but a hole that will accomodate whatever short tube(like you guessed, an inch or two vertical) you can find will make it easier to attach the tube. I can e-mail you some pictures of a 35 gallon tank if you want, but it won't be until Tuesday.

 

[turtle1173]

Re: Livewell/Baitwell design - Input needed!

Thanks Navigator, that tells me what I need to know. I would love to see some pictures!<br /><br /> I had thought I wanted to use an 18 gallon round tub but I saw a 30 gallon that might fit better yesterday. It's not round but will have more room.<br /><br /> One more question: How far down from the top of the livewell should the drain exit be? You said previously to make the inlet at least a couple inches higher, so I'm guessing it maybe should be 4-5 inches down??<br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Shane

 

[navigator336]

Re: Livewell/Baitwell design - Input needed!

Shane,<br /><br />I'll take some pics this weekend. 4-5" should work fine. I made the 35 gallon tank out of a 55 gallon Polyethylene barrel that I cut down and then re-welded the top onto. I originally made it to transport some trout (have a pond in the yard) in my truck. Therefore, it has an aerator built into it too (I just couldn't get the truck bilge pump to work on the freeway). What's your e-mail address?<br /><br />Bob.

 

[turtle1173]

Re: Livewell/Baitwell design - Input needed!

Hi Bob,<br /><br /> My e-mail address is: shanewms@sheltonbbs.com<br /><br /> My only problem now is trying to determine if I should go with a round tank or a rectangular one. Everything I read suggests that round is better but the biggest I'll be able to use is 19 gallons. If I go rectangular, I should be able to manage 30 gallons. Decisions decisions....<br /><br /> I'm going to decide and get started on it this week.<br /><br />Shane

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Livewell/Baitwell design - Input needed!

I suggest using an icechest isntead of a tub. It will provide for better insulation, and in circumstances whent he surface temperature of the water is too high for the health of your bait you can add ice to the water and it will keep longer. Since you are planning to throw a bilge pump over the side I suggest you plan so that you can use it too reciculate and aerate the water if you want instead of fresh water in some circumstances.