Good questions and would like the answer to that one myself. I have a 100 gal stock tank I use
with a electric aerator I got from Wal_Mart .I have no problem keep Goldfish and if not blazing hot out Bluegill will last a long time. but I can't seem to keep creek chubs alive no mater what I do. they seem to turn belly up pretty quick.
Hopefully someone will give you the answer.
Also Welcome to the U.S.C.A.

 

Thank you MRR .. I think I could use a stock tank myself since I sometimes tend so catch a lot of baitfish at a time with my cast net. Just a little tip for you about keeping chubs alive - I think the best way to keep creek chubs alive for a long time is to have a source of constantly flowing fresh water for them.. I have about 50 or so chubs and suckers in a 35 gallon trash can with a steady stream of fresh water and air going into it. Not only that, but I kinda am using slightly cooler water than the water I caught them from as well, I figure this might slow down their metabolism and make them easier to keep alive .

I hope this helps you MRR, and thank you for your reply :joyous: .

 

To keep your baitfish alive as long as possible you will need a filter of some sort. Beneficial bacteria that converts fish waste into less detrimental products is key and the filter will give that bacteria a space to grow. That or a constant supply of fresh water. Changing the water can also help, but if chlorine is added to your water it will need to be neutralized. never change more than 50% of the water or the fish will go into shock and try to have the temps as close as possible. Aeration will keep them alive for a day or 2 if you plan on heading out soon, but if you want to keep a constant supply on hand then investing in a decent filter and stock tank of some sort is the way to go.

 

Aquarium salt is a good idea to use for help in reducing stress.

 

you could try to use a pump from a fish tank i use one in a cooler on my boat and it helps keep them alive for a while any way just and idea

 

Well, CRAP - I just found out the hard way that keeping 30-50 baitfish in a 35 gallon trash can with a constant supply of new water and air does not work.. I checked on my baitfish earlier and a few of them are dead and several have diseases like fungus behind their head as well as tail fin rot..

Apparently a guy needs an aquarium that is kept indoors and well maintained in order to keep baitfish alive and healthy..

Just thought I'd post the results of my failed experiment involving raising baitfish for a while in a trash can... Do not do this unless you want your baitfish sick and dead :nightmare:

 

Daniel, there for a minute i thought with your solid flow of stream water by itsself would of been the answer. A real good buddy of mine Greg (southpoint) keeps his blue gills in a blue plastic barrel cut in half with the bottom part actuallt used as the top. Either way, he uses an aerator and just refills it from his city water but uses a chlorine neutralizer to take that risk out. He keeps em alive for weeks on end. He does use em everyweek and just restocks as needed. Like yesterday we put a bunch back in it. definitely works good. If you need more info on his design and setup please pm him. He is on the Missouri forum. Easy to find. If you come up with a stup that works, please pass on the info to others so they have other options as well. Thanks, and good luck

 

An aquarium filter and air bubble pump would be what I would try.. The flow of water from behind your house may be coming off of a coal seam which probably has sulfur and other minerals in it which would be hard on the fish and might be what is killing them.. I usually leave mine in the creek, if there is no high water in the forecast.. Hope this helps.