it helps keep them alive but a guy make me think about something once, i use oxygen in my tank but been thinking when you put them in the water they arent on oxygen anymore so what is the use. i mainly use it now when i have my tank overloaded and need the extra help to keep them alive till i use them.try putting a couple of caffiene pills in the water and watch your bait fish bounce off the walls. it stays with them longer than the oxygen does.