Custom bait tank

[shadpuller]

I am in the process of converting my boat to a center console and part of the upgrade will be a custom bait tank. I’m comfortable with everything on the tank build, but I had a thought as an add on. When racing cars back in the day, we used a cool can with copper tubing cooled through a can of ice. I am thinking of applying that same idea for my tank on hotter days to keep water temps cooler. Has anyone experimented with anything along these lines?

[johnr]

I think I posted about this idea a few years back. In theory, it’ll work. My idea was to run the air line though a can full of dry ice. Essentially I would be injecting air that is substantially cooler than the water, and that would hopefully keep the water temp stable as the air temp increases through the day, or maybe even cool it some. Not to mention, it’d have far more oxygen compared to temperate air.

I started the project but never did finish it.

[Pete D.]

My G&M tank (SBT knockoff) will start off with 65 degree water, and by the end of my fishing trip in the dog days of summer it will go up maybe 3-5 degrees.

[hotdog]

      I had the same idea but never moved forward with it. It stands to reason if your injecting hot air into your tank, the water will become warmer. Inject cold air and make the water cooler. I don't think it's a cure all but it should help. Keep in mind that keeping your bait within 3-5 degrees of the water your fishing in is key.

[shadpuller]

I’m actually considering pumping the water through the coiled copper tubing bedded in ice. I think this would cool the water better on hot days.