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  #1  
Old 07-25-2016, 12:20 PM
Capspath83 Capspath83 is offline
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Default DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

Hi All,

I had a quick question in regards to converting a cooler into a livewell.

I have been trying to find a cooler that is around 32qts that I can convert to a livewell to carry herring when fishing in local lakes. I have already bought an aerator https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am just worried that I get a cooler that will leak from the lid when transporting in my car from the bait shop to the lake.

Any suggestions?
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  #2  
Old 08-08-2016, 10:42 PM
hookset hookset is offline
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Default Re: DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

How far is bait shop from lake? What size bait will you be transporting?
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  #3  
Old 08-08-2016, 11:12 PM
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briansnat briansnat is offline
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Default Re: DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

If you want a leak proof cooler, you may have to spring for a roto molded cooler. They ain't cheap though. One that might be affordable is the 30 quart Engel cooler/dry box. It is $64 on Amazon. It has a rubber gasket and latches and should prevent spills. I use it in my boat as a dry box, and it keeps the water out, so I assume it will keep the water in as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQ1QY92...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Last edited by briansnat; 08-08-2016 at 11:14 PM..
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Old 08-09-2016, 07:46 AM
saltfisherman saltfisherman is offline
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Default Re: DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

I have a 19 engel dry box and converted it to a live well. Here in Florida I keep shrimp live for hours. No problem keeping 50 alive. The water that is from bait shop is cool and it stays cool all day.

The 2 D battery size bubbler works great and the battery live is good.
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  #5  
Old 08-10-2016, 12:56 PM
Capspath83 Capspath83 is offline
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Default Re: DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

Thanks Guys,

I ended up speaking with someone I know at a local bait shop and was told that I could keep about 3 dozen herring alive in a 5g bucket with an aerator and a little bit of salt all day long so I just converted an old salt mix bucket I had for my saltwater tank that has a locking sealed top. I drilled a hole up on the top rim to insert the aerator hose so I can open and close the lid without removing the stone. I tested for leaks and all is good!

I now just need to test the theory of how many I can actually keep alive if out of the sun and frequent water changes.
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  #6  
Old 08-14-2016, 10:43 PM
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bigboy5522 bigboy5522 is offline
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Default Re: DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

Ive kept 2 dozen herring in a 5 gallon bucket for about 6 hours with good results. Used an aerator and added frozen water bottles with tap water(in the water bottle because the chlorine can harm them). Did not change the water once.
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  #7  
Old 08-19-2016, 06:42 PM
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Charlie B Charlie B is offline
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Default Re: DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

I made a livewell out of a 10 gallon round water cooler with a screw on top. I modified it quite a bit and plumbed it into my boat and put a flip up hatch on top. The plumbing is pretty complicated but I can run fresh water in or recirculate and filter the water. It has an overflow drain that keeps the water a couple inches from the top when pumping in fresh water as long as I have the valve set right to limit the water going in a bit. I also run an air pump and airstone. It works good I kept almost a dozen herring alive for about a week and a half by changing out a few gallons or water a day and adding some kosher salt to the water...Charlie
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Old 08-20-2016, 10:11 AM
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Jigman13 Jigman13 is offline
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Default Re: DIY Cooler converted to Livewell

Drill a hole in the side of the cooler about an inch and a half to two inches from the top. Put aerator hose through with stone inside (obviously). Fashion a strap on the outside of the cooler using small short screws and suitable, slightly rigid material allowing the bubble box to hang as if clipped to a bucket. To minimize leaking during transport just bungee the lid down. Cheap, easy and effective.

I picked up a 28 qt at a yard sale and did this. I use it for herring, sunnies, shiners, suckers, chubs and goldens. Fits in my trunk easily and also fits snugly in my ice fishing sled (which is actually a cheap ass concrete mixing tote from Home Depot with a rope strung thru it lol).
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