Anyone have information on building a Minnow Tank?

[Mongro02]

I'm interested in building one to keep my left over minnows.

That way I don't have to either give them away or let them die.

Save them for later use.

[cheesehead]

I use an aquarium pump and bubble stone in a 5 gallon bucket. Doing this I've kept most of few dozen minnows alive for 2 weeks. you will need to change the water evry 2-3 days.

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Say cheese

[fishnutbob]

The best Ive seen is a small bulk Milk tank with the compressor, stainless steel do a search, or check with Farmers, they work great, but large if you trap your own you can keep them alive all summer with your leeches in a box at the top of the tank.

[psegriz]

I've no longer in bait bus but was for over 20 yrs. The best way to keep bait is IMO in stainless tub w/aquarium bubbler. Keep water as cold as possible. Yes leeches will lose about 20 % of thier weight within the first week after being caught and continue to lose weight after that at a slower rate. I have fed them but still had problems w/death and know of no way to do it w/o making a mess.

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GRIZ

[woodyjdh]

For minnows, I have seen people use an aquarium, and a small stock water tank. From what I gather...2 most important things are...change the water often, and make sure there is alot of air. As for leeches, fresh water every so often, and toss in a small piece of hamburger once and a while. We keep our leeches in the spare refrigerator between weekends. (Just don't mistake one fridge for the other when looking for a midnight snack!)

[great fishing 4-U]

Bob
your post made me think of a question. I have heard that if you keep leeches they will lose about 10% of their weight per week. Do you know if this is true if so what would you feed them with out making a mess.

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great fishing to all

[slobslayer]

i use just a ragular aquarium with a filter it will keep about 2 dozen minnows for about 3 weeks if you change the water about every 3 days.

[Mongro02]

I guess what I'm curious about is how do you keep the water cold enough.

I have a couple of aquariums that I keep some minnows in with a bubbler...but the water warms up and then they die.

psegriz: Mind giving me your e-mail...I have a couple of questions for you.

[This message has been edited by Mongro02 (edited 07-13-2004).]

[Dennis Steele]

I keep a lot of bait on hand and do not cool it.Shiners don't keep but I have had no problems with other minnows.The key is to keep it aireated well enough.I have a 120 gallon stock tank with a pond filter and power head water (pumps 400 gallons an hour)pump along with a two stone air bubbler.IT sits outside in a shed under a tree.I change water every week to week and a half and can keep minnow alive for up to two months.

[can it be luck?]

To feed leeches, simply place your bare arm in the water until you feel slightly faint and turn a pale ashen color. Usually a hour or two is enough. Don't drink alcohol! The leeches are........sensitive.
Not only do your leeches get fed, think of the medicinal value! There's nothing like a good old fashioned blood letting! According to the Medievil Barbers that is.

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http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck

[Phred52]

Woodyjdh..... Kinda,"Leeches....., The OTHER DARK meat."

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NOBODY ever died, wishing they had fished....LESS!!