How to Make a Bait Tank From a Chest Freezer: Detailed and Cost!!!

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Oh, man that thermometer is pure magic!

[@Mightbeaninterestingguy]

Cool set up! I have an extra freezer I'm eyeing up right now for this build... I might have run the overflow with a separate pipe just in case the end of the drain pipe were to get clogged, but very cool and well thought out.

[@allkindsofoutdooractivities]

Great set up! One of the best deep freeze tanks I’ve seen on here. I would recommend using Ammo-Carb it’s a mixture of charcoal and ammo removing resin. I use it and it’s better than just activated charcoal

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

I will keep that in mind when I need to clean up the water some!!!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@perrylongjr7478]

You done good job on that tank. 👍

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

I’ve wanted one ever since I seen yours! You inspired me!

[@colonmills6075]

Did you have to seal inside of the freezer?

[@jarrodfields1680]

Yes I sealed every seem with waterproof caulk.

[@colonmills6075]

@@jarrodfields1680 thanks for the quick response!

[@jarrodfields1680]

No problem and if you have any other questions let me know. I’ve had this thing for a couple years now and I have a lot more information…lol

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

👍🏻

[@kevingourley1015]

How often do you change your filters i can't keep my water clear?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

That’s a great question. The filter will need cleaned about twice a week. The most important part is doing a water change about once a week. I was having the same issue and I got a 55 gallon plastic drum of water for water changes. I pump about 3/4 of the water out of the freezer and go back in with clean water. It’s the only way I’ve found to keep bait for an extended period with clean water. A lot of work for sure

[@MrMrfreshbait]

A bait tank just like an aquarium needs to cycle, once you start the bait tank and throw fish in it it’s 6wks for the cycle to establish and convert ammonia into nitrates. Until the cycle is completed at a minimum 50%water changes weekly., or anytime your water becomes cloudy, foamy or smells off. Filter pads should be hosed/rinsed off in cold water weekly

[@lancehensley6712]

I better be getting an invite to Watts bar. Been hearing about for 10 yrs lol.

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

Watts Bar? Never heard of it!!!!!!

[@cturner2247]

Great setup !!! I’m going to do one and copy a lot of your ideas. Are you happy with the size of the freezer ? How much bait can you keep ?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

I have kept 20+ dozen creek chubs or so. It held them fine. I am pleased with the size. It’s plenty big enough and keeps enough bait for my needs!

[@brodyljohansen]

so does the digital thermometer do the job of keeping the water cool completely; making the freezer just the storage, meaning not plugging the freezer in at all?

[@jarrodfields1680]

No the freezer plugs into the the digital thermostat and it cuts the freezer off once the desired temperature is gained. If you set it to 60 degree the thermostat will shut the freezer off, then back on once it goes above the set temperature.

[@brodyljohansen]

@@jarrodfields1680 thank you!

[@mainetroutwhisperer]

How did you attach the plexi glass?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

I attached 4 pieces of plastic corner protector from Lowe’s to the sides and slid the plexiglass down in between them. Clear caulk will allow to stick to the side of the freezer. Then just cut the glass to fit in the slots!

[@joedamian5941]

I'm having trouble getting freezer to chill water. How long does it take and should I worry about outside of freezer getting hot?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

It took mine about a day to come to temperature. So it’s a slow process. The water will raise about 2 degrees throughout the day but at night it stays at a constant temp. The outside of mine has never gotten hot at all.

[@danielaleman2130]

I am building my own starting tomorrow

[@jarrodfields1680]

Let me know if you have any issues with the build! I’ll be happy to help!

[@jarrodfields1680]

Let me know if you have any issues with the build! I’ll be happy to help!

[@danielaleman388]

@@jarrodfields1680 I will. What size PVC did you use from the pump to the bucket, and what did you use or do to fit the PVC to the pump?

[@jarrodfields1680]

@@danielaleman388 I used 1/2 inch plumbing and the pump I ordered came with some attachments for different sized PVC. You just screw the attachment to the pump and whatever size PVC that matches.

[@gerrycarder9288]

How did you get the suction cups (light) to stick to the non smooth walls of the freezer

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

I actually put a dab of super glue on them….lol. I was having the same issue with the rough surface!

[@gerrycarder9288]

@@championjigsoutdoors2015 Thanks.

[@gerrycarder9288]

How did you fasten the wood for the filter to the freezer?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

What I done was use a couple self tapping short screws in the corners away from the cooling lines. That side only has two screws and it’s screwed to the legs. I never move it so it didn’t need to be to sturdy. I hope that helps!

[@andrewjackson8401]

What kind of submersible pond pump did you get?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

It’s just a cheap one off Amazon. I think I paid 30 bucks or so for it.

[@connormiller9233]

Can you do a boat tour

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

I don’t think anyone would want to see my boat tour...Lol. It’s a 1995 21ft ranger. Nothing special. We are trying to upgrade it to a newer model and if we do, a boat tour is coming!

[@bareavis]

How often do you have to change the water?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

If you are keeping bait for extended periods of time you will have to do a half water change about every 7-10 days

[@boostbelligerent4112]

Do you have issues with fish being sucked to your pump?

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

No, the pump is covered with small slits so it’s nearly impossible for the bait fish to get sucked into it. If you have fear of it happening, cover your pump with a Tupperware container and drill several holes in it!

[@gerrycarder9288]

It looks like you have 4 self tapping screws in the top of the freezer. Is that correct? About how long would you say these screws are? I am scared to death about screwing into the freezer. By the way, I really like your design and have a freezer that I am converting to a bait tank. Copying yours.

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

Yes that is correct. The screws may be an inch long. It scared me to. But everything I read said that the coils where about an inch down on the freezer. So if you use 3/4 inch plywood your only gonna be a 1/4 inch in the freezer metal. Copy away that was the point, to show others how to do it. Mine works great and I hope yours does too!!!!

[@gerrycarder9288]

@@championjigsoutdoors2015 Thank for the help!

[@TylerHelton13]

I’m ready to head to watts bar.. you tell me when

[@championjigsoutdoors2015]

Son if you’ll go I’ll plan the trip!

[@travishelton2691]

Let’s load up!