Bigcat2,
If I can help you in any way, shoot me an email as I do have some other ideas.

Bigdad,
The filter cartrige that comes with the inline filter will clog in an a matter of minutes and is not cleanable. I use a different media in the housing. The shad scales drift to the bottom or are filtered out. The pump being almost halfway down from the waterline helps. My tank also has a "false bottom". Email if you'd like more details.

Baitfish,
A thermocline in a circulating 20 gallon tank with frozen water bottles in it?



I was just trying to show an alternative to the great bait tanks that are out of my price range.

Another little trick folks that will really help you with those nasty old scales is to never dump your cast net contents into your bait tank. Always carry an extra bucket....I personally put a good dose of non-iodinized salt in it and let those little critters swim in this for a while as I am catching some more. Then I use my small bait net to pick out the best ones and put them in the bait tank. This heavy salt will kinda make them sick and they will puke up a bunch of junk that would normally clog your filter. And, this will give them some time to shed the extra loose scales.

And, as I mentioned earlier, don't fail to add the salt to your bait tank. About a cup for ever ten gallons. I typically heap the cup.

this is what I bought....worked flawlessly so far.

www.fishrkool.com

Rob,

I didn't say it wouldn't work....but yes, especially in the summer, the water will stratify even in a small tank without the proper water flow. If you have the exit and entrance at the same level it's even worse. 20 gallons, you won't have much problem, especially with that design because the water will probably slosh enough; however, if someone copies your design and doubles the volume without moving the pump they may be dissapointed.

I wasn't knocking your design, you did a heck of a job. I was just suggesting putting the pump at the bottom of the tank instead of half way up.

Try this ...

http://picasaweb.google.com/leewitte/TankNew#