Thread: minnow bucket

The only down side to ice compared to frozen bottles is the transfer of the chlorine in most municipal water systems. Ice does fine for the day as far as I have found. The frozen bottles give the advantages of lowering the temps without the chlorine. Some systems have a strong chlorine odor and I can't help but think that it wouldn't help as much as we think. I have a pump for my water service, hence no chlorine or ill effects.

I've used chlorinated water for ice cubes and added it to my minnow water with no ill effects for years. Personally I think the chlorine dissipates and evaporates fast enough to not have an effect. That said, perhaps if your municipality adds a lot of chlorine you might have an issue. I've smelled some water sources where the added chlorine seemed way way strong! That stuff might not work well in this application. But they say, to use chlorinated water in an aquarium all you have to do to get rid of the chlorine is to wait overnight. So I do think it goes away fast, and maybe it's gone by the time water freezes.

Where's the scientist Cane Pole when you need him!

Oh, I also believe that the ice (not ice in bottles) adds a little oxygen to the water as it melts. But either way works, keep'em cold to keep'em alive is my motto.

Originally Posted by Slab

I feel the use of an aerator just warms the water real fast. It just pumps warm air through the water. Forget the aerator and keep the water cold with ice to keep your minnows alive is what I say. I telling you it's the best way to keep the little buggers alive.

Just curious as to what you do when you get to the Lake and the water temp is 86?? Probably mix a little lake water and bucket water, let em swim for a few minutes ???

Originally Posted by pescador

Just curious as to what you do when you get to the Lake and the water temp is 86?? Probably mix a little lake water and bucket water, let em swim for a few minutes ???

Not at all, I keep them cold so they last. I put them on the hook straight from the cold water, and into the lake water. Does not seem to be a problem. I know with aquarium fish they suggest you acclimate them, but they are just fine thrown straight in. Maybe they get excited and warmed up in the time it takes to put them on the hook, dono! lol

Originally Posted by Slab

Not at all, I keep them cold so they last. I put them on the hook straight from the cold water, and into the lake water. Does not seem to be a problem. I know with aquarium fish they suggest you acclimate them, but they are just fine thrown straight in. Maybe they get excited and warmed up in the time it takes to put them on the hook, dono! lol

Thanks Slab, I will give this a try. I have been using a bubbler and no ice, they seem to be OK, but when I put them in the lake water they don't last very long.

Pescador , I had left minnows in fridge all week. Like Slab says just put them on the hook and go to fishing. If you try to mix warmer water with them they will all float on top and appear dead. Just wait 5 minutes and they will all be swimming !

Originally Posted by Slab

I feel the use of an aerator just warms the water real fast. It just pumps warm air through the water. Forget the aerator and keep the water cold with ice to keep your minnows alive is what I say. I telling you it's the best way to keep the little buggers alive.

plus you don't have to hear the noise of the bubbler!