I don't use anything but finer shiner in my minnow bucket. I have a Marine Metal Products Aereator (the stick type) in a 5 gallon bucket and I have no problem keeping minnow alive. I did modify mine by adding a male cigerette plug for power rather than using the battery clips. I will say that I change out my water after a day of fishing.

As far as what ESPN says, we must remember that they own Bassmasters and do all of their studies on bass. Also, bass are more reselliant than crappie.