i need a new livewell setup. i've been using an insulated keepalive 30g and it's been ok but i overload it with bait and even if i keep adding water from time to time i still lose too many fish. so i was thinking of using a big plastic drum and was what size tubing i should use for the intake. and what size pump?

I have Bait century 1100, works fine. I think it's 1-1/8 inlet
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

JOHNSON PUMP Aqua Jet 3.5 Washdown Pump

I replaced a Shurflo Blaster with the Johnson. I use a Y valve to change from livewell to washdown. Keep a lot alive for quite a while, and in a fairly small well to boot. You might want to try changing to one of these larger capacity pumps before you change out the well....as well. Guys who put in the 55 gallon drums can keep a ton of bait in there, but the room and the weight it commands is a major tradeoff.....

I use a brute garbage can that I plumbed with some thru-hull fittings. Its got a grden hose intake and clear plastic hose (1" diameter) off an 800 GPH livewell pump. if I need a washdown, then I just attach my washdown hose to the same hose bib and rinse the deck.....

serves both purposes

You need constant fresh water in
water in from the bottom and out from the top
I would replumb the one you have and try it out. Especially with Mack's if one bleeds out they all die.
I would plumb in a pump of your choice thru the bottom and have a big overflow hose, like 2", from the top overboard.
Constant water in, overflow out the top,
The bait century's at west Marine are good for a few seasons but always get the x-warrantee you'll never have to buy another one
My livewell weighs 400 pounds
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Also
Constant new water in and out keeps water temp down.
Baits don't like warm/how water.







You need constant fresh water in
water in from the bottom and out from the top
I would replumb the one you have and try it out. Especially with Mack's if one bleeds out they all die.
I would plumb in a pump of your choice thru the bottom and have a big overflow hose, like 2", from the top overboard.
Constant water in, overflow out the top,
The bait century's at west Marine are good for a few seasons but always get the x-warrantee you'll never have to buy another one
My livewell weighs 400 pounds
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

garbage cans work great and they have handles built in. The issue you will run into is pushing that amount of water out of the boat,assuming you will keep it in front of the console.

Paul,

Go to a car wash and ask for an empty plastic soap barrel. They are like a 55 gallon drum but heavy plastic so you can cut it down to size and keep the cover for a top. I have one that I cut down but haven't got around to finishing it yet. Stop over and take a look. Might be a good and cheap alternative.....

I've also found that the water inlet into the tank needs to spin in a clockwise rotation.

I'm still working on a way to keep shad alive.

Paul,

Go to a car wash and ask for an empty plastic soap barrel. They are like a 55 gallon drum but heavy plastic so you can cut it down to size and keep the cover for a top. I have one that I cut down but haven't got around to finishing it yet. Stop over and take a look. Might be a good and cheap alternative.....

maybe we'll have a few beers and build both of them

maybe we'll have a few beers and build both of them

Ha ha ha..............sounds like a deal.

check out the Kodiak live wells.
http://www.kodiakmarine.com/angler_series.html

Don't forget to plumb a drain port near the bottom....

I've also found that the water inlet into the tank needs to spin in a clockwise rotation.

I'm still working on a way to keep shad alive.

Counter Clockwise on the Shad!:jump1:

I use a heavy plastic barrel (coke syrup); a little smaller than a 55 gal. w/ a small rule pump. Nice small footprint. Pump outlet determines LW input and use the largest possible LW outlet (that won't pass the baitfish) to allow for pump volume. Keeps a dozen & 1/2 pogies easily Forget the shad...they'll be dead!

Like several others I would recomend that you replumb the one you have and keep the water flowing, before you trash it and buy another. When it comes to water flow, more is better. Into the bottom and out of the top.

The 30 you have is fine, I use to keep lots of bait in mine!!, As stated all ready you need to plum it so its fresh water all the time, and I found the temp is a huge issue! When running off sure and not getting fresh water in and out I use to put some ice in the water to keep the temp down.

Paul you need to get innovative with the plumbing, I used 1" pvc to make a high speed pick up that hangs on the back of the transom just below the water line, I also have a 1100gph bilge pump mounted on the transom and a couple of diverter valves. I have had no issues using this rig and keep 24 + pogies alive in a 30 gallon Keep alive. I put a drain on it near the bottom since I keep mine elevated on the front seat , on the inside I connected an L shaped pipe that goes to the surface and the water drains down it and a hose runs from that to the rear of the boat, and water comes in then goes back out constantly changing. Never really had to worry about tripping over hoses either..

This should give you some ideas, if you need a hand or want to look at mine let me know...



http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPODSlOrOmg

I use a 42 gal Brute Buster. Rule 17A washdown pump....but the key is the size of the overflow. I use a 3" hose, I think it is hose for sanitary use, looks a bit corrugated I had it lying around. The barrel is tall enough to go over the gunnel. Lots of water exchange.

I was thinking of making a custom fiberglass 50 gal oval but just haven't got to it yet.

lots of good ideas here boys. i want to keep it simple for ease of removal. i'll only use it when i want to use livies for bass. most of the time it will not be on the boat. i've got a small livewell built in that can handle a half dozen baits or small stuff

heres a pic of mine aqua world 40 gallon its perfect, cheap around 100 bucks, rounded corners big but not too big , can be removed. i have it plumbed with 1 &1/8 inlet from a 1100gph thru hull pump, to a 2" over flow.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j84/deerslyr1/cod53011.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j84/deerslyr1/bW1jMS9EQ0lNLzEwMExHRENGL0ltYWdlMDUyODIwMTEwOTEwMj YuanBn.jpg