DIY Cooler Livewell

Super cheap. Super easy. Less than $40. Turn an old cooler into a portable livewell in 20 minutes.
Bilge Pump: rb.gy/mqzcev
Pump tubing kit: rb.gy/iujtfy
PVC:
-1/2" PVC Elbow
-1/2" x 2' PVC tubing
-3/4" to 1/2" PVC adaptor
-3/4" tubing to 3/4" threaded PVC adapter
-1/2" PVC cap
Other:
-1/2" and 3/4" stainless screws
-Marine silicone sealant
-PVC primer and glue
-Terminals (to adapt to battery)
Tools needed:
-Drill, screwdriver, saw

[@xSeadoggerx]

Drill a hole through the top of your lid and run your wire through it. Maybe add a little wire and put a bracket on the outside to hang your battery on

[@sunilramnath8972]

excellent. my only modification would be to put the bilge pump on the right hand side to prevent the kinking of the hose since that's the natural mounting side on the Pump. Since this will be used as a baitwell, I'd probably drill a hole all the way through the same side of the pump, pass the wires through and seal with silicone and then mount the battery pack on the outside of the cooler.

[@adubclub]

Great ideas!

[@JJDaBossOutdoors]

How would you mount the battery?

[@KuanyshbekKonysbekov]

❤😮😮😮😮😮😮😮🎉​@@adubclub

[@testing123...]

nice build... i like the pump inside like yours better

[@adubclub]

Making some adjustments this year. I need a discharge and fresh water suction option.

[@Jo-JoGro]

i just use an aerator and ran line thru hole in my lid works great . I also just switch airline to a plug in aerator when Im home

[@adubclub]

That’s awesome!!

[@roberthowe5315]

Not to bad drill a small hole in the top to run the wires through I would have just cut that hose short to get the bend out I'm OCD that way lol but hey great project and with a couple froze water bottles it will keep fish all day long

[@adubclub]

Agree. Thanks!!!

[@timbullard5848]

Nice setup now I’m going to get started on me one thanks for the video

[@adubclub]

Thanks! Awesome, you’ll love it!!

[@hillbillyohio513]

Imagine this set-up with a cooler on wheels, that would be awesome!

[@adubclub]

Yeah it would!!!

[@soonerlegendspodcast]

How would this concept work for a shad tank if i choose to build this like you did

[@adubclub]

The biggest change I would make is have the pump pull/push water out of the tank to change it. Kinda complicated though. You can use as is right here for shad. Just add ice.

[@whiskergetter1986]

I would keep the cut off just so you can clear line if you get any trash in holes

[@henny4360]

Did you have a cold while filming? Ran a marathon between steps?

[@adubclub]

lol. Maybe.

[@GreenJamSkater]

Does this clean the water like a filtration system ?

[@adubclub]

unfortunately, no. that would require a separate unit.

[@922crappiebbq8]

I epoxied my pump in has base and replaceable pump with couple spares in case they change designs in future lol

[@adubclub]

great idea!

[@jstorres486]

Nice set up I’m going to gives this a go!! Thank u for the video.. how long would that battery run it for ? What size battery? Thank you

[@adubclub]

I used an 8 AH battery and it lasted for several hours. I am getting ready to make Livewell Cooler 2.0 to improve on the existing design.

[@jstorres486]

@@adubclub nice I got a 10ah I usually only go out 5-6 hours.. thank you

[@todd1612]

I would leave the shutoff valve for a cleanout.

[@adubclub]

Great idea!

[@B.P_Adventures]

Does the / how long does bait stay alive without a filter?

[@adubclub]

All day

[@gwrulzmylife]

Should have run the wires through a drilled hole in side. Small rheostat with built in on/off switch

[@adubclub]

Great idea. I can still do that!

[@mtnguyen1696]

how long did the battery last you?

[@adubclub]

4+ hrs

[@kyle.daviss161]

is it loud? me and my dad have been working on a 15 foot bomber for a while and need a live well. don’t want to disturb the fishing to much?

[@adubclub]

Loudest part is the water and that’s hardly noticeable at all with the lid closed. The fuller the more quiet but can leak water during rough lakes.

[@JasonGreen-kf8ld]

Hey man try pex pipe totally kicks pvc butt.

[@JasonGreen-kf8ld]

Oh and try zip ties.

[@adubclub]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@lannydecamp7460]

Thanks

[@adubclub]

You bet!!

[@chrisbarr5289]

Nice job. How many quart is your cooler?

[@adubclub]

I think it’s 48 quarts.

[@VinnyHotsauce]

Is this better than using the AA or D battery style aerators?

[@adubclub]

You can keep multiple large fish alive versus just bait fish.

[@uberepicoutdoors]

How long does that small battery last on a full charge 🤔

[@adubclub]

Several hours. I have 2 in case it isn’t long enough.

[@kito1san]

How about instead of getting frustraed. Just shorten the block flexible hose to your likening.

[@adubclub]

Great idea!!!

[@todd1612]

Flex tube has a clamping surface every one foot. Could use rubber hose, and cut to length.

[@scottballesteros8366]

Don't cap end rather use pump to empty cooler when done

[@adubclub]

Yup

[@scull6281]

Tell me you’re an “engineer” without telling me you’re an engineer… I really liked how you cemented those threaded fittings. Such nonsense, much disappointment,mega student loan debt.

[@adubclub]

I can fix anything. I’ve rebuilt engines. I’ve designed cars. This wasn’t a NASA project. p.s. I graduated with zero debt.

[@SteveJohnson-z6p]

😮

[@TaylorRobinson93]

Dude the pump heats the water lol pretty dumb

[@adubclub]

?

[@todd1612]

No it doesn't