The Ultimate Cooler Livewell DIY

[@justinmalone8640]

I built this thing 2 years ago, and I’m so glad I did. I still haven’t changed the batteries and kept 2 dozen shiners alive for 28 hours. Thank you sir! 💪

[@anthonyphillips7253]

"Why I failed History" fell out of my chair laughing. Keep up the good work.

[@FishinNStuff]

😁 lol

[@glynnpetoskey8841]

Sup buttercup

[@glynnpetoskey8841]

@@FishinNStuff you sir are beast

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you

[@glynnpetoskey8841]

@@FishinNStuff i 💘 what you do and are about. I make my own fishing lures and stuff

[@2reelyakrz481]

For the cheap hollow cooler lids, you can shoot some spray foam into them and get whatever insulation the foam provides as well as some extra strength (we've accidentally cracked a few of the hollow ones).

[@sciguyjeff]

Ok, let me help out here. I often transport small fish from Florida to Kentucky (12+ hours) for my aquariums 1) Main thing, despite what 90%+ people think, bubble boxes or air pumps do not put oxygen in the water, the bubbles are way too big. Water absorbs oxygen from the air at the surface. This is why aquarium fish shipped to pet stores are in plastic bags filled with 100% oxygen. What the bubblers do is circulate the water so it picks up oxygen. What you want is a maximum circulation. You will get better results with a smaller air stone with the pumps yo are using. They simply do not have the power fr the big air stones to work properly 2) If you have 12 volt, just use a 12 volt bilge pump (small one) just like the boat's live well 3) If you have an inverter so you have 110 volt, I mount an underwater filter to the side using silicon. This not circulates the water but filters toxic waste from the fish as well. 4) If you plan on having a lot of fish or fish for extended periods, pick up a nitrate remover, also called ammonia block (many different names) from the pet section. This removes the deadly ammonia produced by the fish. I also add another substance that helps the fish keep their slime layer. 5) Adding a small frozen blue ice or a frozen water bottle helps as well, cool water has more oxygen. 6) The gorilla tape is okay, do not use the gorilla glue. Personally, I use silicon (pet area and paint, hardware, craft have tubes), it is safe and can be peeled off if needed.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

I’ve built what amounts to an under gravel filter for an aquarium before. I was thinking that a good old aquarium box filter, or an equivalent contraption might play well. But I’m really thinking in terms of growing my own minnows for bait and a big aquarium style filter. The box filter for the live well could be pre inoculated in the main tank to grow the appropriate bacteria to convert the ammonia. Then just add the box filter to the live well for fishing. The carbon and other filter material would be contained and would help. And the advice to keep the water cold is really good! Cold water dissolves and holds gases much better!

[@sciguyjeff]

@@dr.froghopper6711 adding the bacteria to a live well would do next to nothing. The bacteria work slowly and in a large amount of water to a small ratio of fish. Think about an established 50 gallon aquarium and you suddenly add 100 minnows. That would overload you system within a few hours. Under gravel filters are highly overrated. If you want to grow minnows just for size you will need a large tank, a large aerator and change water frequently. Now a friend of mine breeds nd grows creek chubs. He actually uses an 8 ft diameter above ground pool and simply uses the sand filter that came with it and live plants

[@sciguyjeff]

@@dr.froghopper6711 Also, about the ice. I use the blue ice or frozen water bottle since they are reusable. Regular ice cubes work as well but you have to watch the chlorine if it is home made. Ice cubes do add small amounts of oxygen. HOWEVER the cooling should be used with extreme caution if the minnows are used for fishing, If the live well water is much cooler than the water you are fishing in, the minnow will die of thermal shock within seconds.

[@RealRuler2112]

This is one of the best comments I've read on here.

[@sciguyjeff]

@@RealRuler2112 Just trying to help out. Trying to keep fish alive for over 12 hours, you learn a thing or two

[@DS-sh5we]

Keith, my man...you've done it again! Great DIY. Not a lot of DIY makers come up with better versions of their previous ideas, but you never have a problem out-doing yourself. Keep 'em coming!

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you brother

[@chuckcull5674]

instead of cutting slits in your cooler, you can screw metal picture frame hangers into it with small screws. they make perfect holders for the clips on the back of the aerator.

[@CaptainSpock1701]

Loved the "failed history" bit! I have shown this video to so many of my friends! They all loved it too!

[@FishinNStuff]

I appreciate that brother . People like you make em worth do so thank you

[@munkle67]

Lovin some fishin n stuff!!

[@cooterduke3605]

You got the best DIYs around! Thanks for the link to the solar bubbler, I hadn't seen one of those before. It's already on my wish list.

[@azheatsource]

I bout cried when you was cutting and drilling on a $75 cooler. It looks good and I'm going to try it out. On a 20 dollar cooler.

[@FishinNStuff]

I know what you mean lol . Ive made so many of them . I guess it didn't bother me as much lol

[@juliosamaniego2206]

You know what’s pretty dang cool? … you are Fishin N Stuff!

[@jameslaw3740]

I use to sell the refurbished koolatron coolers with air pumps in them 35 years ago. Still have my large sample model , and it stills runs awesome. The small koolatrons were great for ice fishing , now I want to go and get a bunch of horned chub and go pike / cat fishing...👍 👍 🇨🇦

[@brianusa394]

Nice Livewell , I’ll be building mine for my kayak. One thing I’ll be adding is a small aquarium pump so I can be pumping lake water in to keep the fish alive. I’ll also have to rig an overflow . I’ll post photos when I’m finished.

[@adammckenzie8769]

Don’t pump the water in, use solution that helps keep oxygen in ya water And use ice at start of the day, The water I would pump in would be from surface level which will get hot really quick which sucks more oxygen out, Just put ice in ya box then fill with water Put solution in and turn oxygen on, Then keep shut as much as u can to keep cold, maybe bring an extra frozen milk container of water to chuck in half way through the day to cook it again.

[@StevenKA9MOT]

You're one of the most entertaining KZbin Fisherdudes!

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you

[@kentcostello8099]

Kick ass video and job . I'm going to make one next weekend but I'm going to use my old beer cooler because I got a new yeti cooler for father's day.

[@FishinNStuff]

Lucky dog haha 😄

[@kentcostello8099]

I hope I run into you at any fishing shows or any basspro shop.

[@SluSharkND]

You are a genius! Filling your bait cooler with a 5 gallon bucket! Put that on the next "bucket hack" list!

[@FishinNStuff]

Well my hose pipe won't reach too my building lol

[@SluSharkND]

@@FishinNStuff Sounds like you have another PVC hack, too! You never quit!

[@mikoasifoa3316]

He's Fishin n stuff and I'm likin vids n stuff before they even start!

[@andyd834]

That velcro comes in handy for kayak stuff.

[@jeffbrummette6357]

You make it look so easy. I could watch you do stuff all day 24/7! Great video!

[@Dutch.1722]

I take small plastic drink bottles fill with water and freeze them. Then I fill cooler with cold well water. The cold slows down their metabolism and they use less air in addition to the bubbler. Gonna put 2 in.

[@FishinNStuff]

I do that too in the summer . Learned that from my buddys that tournament bass fish . And it's smart because most bag ice has chlorine in it

[@davidprieto7876]

I definitely enjoy watching your videos they are so informative and very simple to follow keep up the good work keep them coming may God bless you from the Old Man in Tampa Florida

[@37pmol]

I just don't get tired of your DIYs. Good job!

[@shanepowell5115]

I'm BLESSED TO HAVE FOUND YOUR CHANNEL GREAT IDEAS, CLEAN HUMOR, VERY COOL. WISH YOU WELL!!!

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you , im glad you found it

[@deonclarke8320]

Your videos always exciting and can't wait to ear your ideas... stay posting..!!!

[@FishinNStuff]

Ty

[@ralphwaltrts5994]

I have used many of your hacks on my kayak. I would like to see how you would build a do-it-yourself Live Well to keep the fish you catch in for an Old Town autopilot 120 either to mount on the outside and Float alongside the kayak or to put in the kayak. That would be great. I Enjoy watching your videos. They are very helpful and I have used many of your hacks. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.

[@FishinNStuff]

For tournaments, for live release . Or to eat . Because for like crappie and fish I'm keeping . I just put ice in my cooler and throw em in it

[@ckr6240]

I wanted to thank you a bunch!!!! I built one of these after your video. We spent 6 days in Northern Wisc, purchased 4 dozen Walleye minnows, only lost 4 minnows in 6 days!!! Obviously we added fresh water, but have never had such an amazing cooler!!! Thanks Brother

[@FishinNStuff]

Hey thank you for watching brother . It does work good

[@linoalbertosalinas9419]

I really enjoy your show I can't get out fishing much I'm handicap you really make my day

[@carnufiasfishing8444]

That was Awesome. Happy Father's Day brother & thanks for sharing.

[@FishinNStuff]

Happy Father's day buddy

[@notroutaboutitfishing9361]

Should be sleeping right now for work, but here I am watching fishin n stuff! Love your content brother!!

[@FishinNStuff]

I feel your pain brother , I was so tired after I finished editing and upload this video my eyes were crossing lol

[@alabamaclickerfisher]

That’s cool. I’ve lost count on how many coolers I have here. Gotta make me one.

[@stevedockery3534]

Bud that's a darn great idea. Glad you shared it.

[@daviddura1172]

You ARE the MAN!!!! Got to fasten your seat belt when you hit play on this channel!

[@FishinNStuff]

Lol I try not to waste your time lol

[@lonniehollifield133]

I made a big one out of a cooler too just to keep bait from the creek in. Big money saver!!

[@ricklane1693]

Grab some suction-cup airline holders to rout those hoses to exactly where you want them to be. They stick and stay :) ...I enjoy your stuff very much...It's AWESOME !

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you Sir

[@donniedickerson8077]

Good Bait = Great Fishing ,, Simple As That ,,, That's A Good DIY PROJECT ,,Purty Dang Awesome Right There Y'all 🦈🎣👀😁 Keep It Reelin Brother

[@johnp3427]

You are freeking AWSOME, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

[@ReelinByFaithAimee]

Yep that is what I am needing for my catfish bait.

[@faronmastin8683]

Nice I like the dual battery and 110 bubbler that is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

[@brianlegette3411]

Great DIY!! Love it. You should do one for a small cooler that would fit on a beach cart. That would be "awesome"!

[@supertroopersmith5532]

Love the video. And like 2 reel yakrz said bellow the spray foam works just use the low expansion foam and don't over fill it.

[@Itsallmine]

This is great! I see me doing this. Thanks, Keith!

[@MRR-qv3bw]

@2:07 sitting in the sun all day cooking your live well with zero insulation is going to make this new one 10 times better because you can maintain a constant water temperature for ALOT LONGER! Awesome vid man!

[@Jllcountry5118]

Very cool idea. What about for us angler kayakers. … a creek cooler live well 🤔

[@jamesmerriman5058]

I just made one from a 5 gallon bucket, thanks for the info. Axton, VA

[@fiftieskidbobmckinstry5023]

Thanks brother fisherman.

[@markfletcher5457]

Super video. My friend is in the process of building a live well like this. I'm about to share this one with him. Thanks

[@bobbyyoung7836]

Awesome live well cooler

[@SloMotion66]

Great DIY! Heading to Wally World to pick up supplies. Thanks.

[@jonathancoley8112]

Awesome video! Definitely be tuning in on Monday night. 🎣🤙🏼

[@michaelwells1783]

I Have found that the big water coolers work great ! Bait doesn't bump there nose and the tall one's keep the water from splashing out .Shad stay alive a lot longer when they don't have a corner to hit there nose on .

[@FishinNStuff]

Your right . For shad you'll need something without covers or they'll get red nose and die . The regular coolers are for shiners , minnows and bluegill or perch . Even transferring fish

[@michaelrogers8912]

Gonna build me one of these !!! Awesome 👍. Thank you Keith for sharing…🤴 of DIY’s. Take care brother

[@wymanhammond6466]

I enjoy watching your helpful videos

[@kateskrmetta2022]

I was literally about to build the old baitwell cooler from years ago you posted and then boom now there’s an ultimate version , Thank You your awesome !!!!!!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼👌🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💥💥

[@FishinNStuff]

Than was a close one lol

[@samhanna9409]

very awesome! ive watched a lot of diy fishing videos and yours "trump" all! great job Kieth!

[@FishinNStuff]

I really appreciate that. I really do

[@rayarnold8275]

Another awesome video thanks for sharing buddy thanks god bless

[@robertchadwick1552]

That was a slick DIY. Thanks.

[@ronaldlarimer]

I will be building one of these with two of my grandsons soon

[@gonefishn1975]

great video, nice igloo cooler

[@RelaxedEZ223]

Yup this is gonna be AWESOME!

[@curtisgore1611]

Awesome build

[@rodneykaneaster3292]

Fantastic. I made one out of a 5 gallon ice cooler for my bait fish.

[@FishinNStuff]

They work good . I've thought about using a round Gatorade cooler for shad . I think it would work . Especially if you added a filter

[@oldguyrulesweyerman6955]

I like your DIY Hacks you love using pool noodles and I just had a light bulb ho off. I have a Zebco portable depth finder I use it for ice fishing and in my canoe. It has a 20 foot cord for the transducer and you can order little foam rings to make it float. I have a pool noodle that we don't use anymore 😃👍👍👍🤩 it's going to be AWESOME!!!

[@downtownerniebrown3069]

the solar pump is cool never seen one great ideal buddy

[@breauxp]

Man, you did it again! Great video. I know that talking/presenting can be a challenge and that you added the correction about oxygen content of air was amazingly humble. Very easy to just edit that out instead of owning it. Alright, down to bidness: Most coolers are rotomolded out of the same material as plastic kayaks, which means that you can heat the area you want to cut or drill to make it smoother/easier. If you ran the placement of the air tubes to the corners then put a small loop after pump, you won’t get drips running back down if you don’t get good seal or just use caulk/sealant. Other advantage is you could put both stones in center like you first showed and have tube run down opposite side of interior, maybe even add some tape to them. Digging solar? Me too! Harbor freight has solar pond pumps that you can connect to a crossbar sprayer to add more movement in the well. Add some filter material and screen and it’ll cut down on the amount of crud floating around. Seems there’s still a debate about aeration performance of bubble vs. surface spray, maybe setup both and test? RCYAGO Portable Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Meter, DO Range: 0-40.00 mg/L, 0.1 mg//L Resolution, Digital Dissolved Oxygen Meter with Electrode Filling Fluid www.amazon.com/dp/B08NFYY4L8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DAZM7D8SMFKWJ3KWGVVP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 And when it comes to healthy fish, to other enemy is ammonia. Here’s some reading on that: fishlab.com/ammonia/ While you can use conditioners to minimize impact of ammonia, it’s one more thing to run out of. I’d be interested to see if either aeration helped reduce it. Maybe split a batch of used bait water and run a 3 day aeration with tests? Yep, must be Monday morning, this is way too long😂 Anyway, hope something in here helps.

[@FishinNStuff]

Lol that's good info brother

[@thedrunkmonkey2254]

Thats super nice

[@kennethdavis459]

Great job

[@dougiemac8417]

Dang Keith!!! Man you hit the jackpot with this video!!! I always wanted to know how a portable live well works. Man I appreciate your knowledge , and skills to the max!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you Sir

[@dougiemac8417]

@@FishinNStuff you’re welcome. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@ShawnRullens]

I love your video, Lots of GOOD information!!!😁

[@SomeGuy8796]

Dude .. ya gotta say "CLICK DA BELL" .. it is what gives you some independence from other fishin channels ..sounds so cool

[@FishinNStuff]

Lol I forgot too lol . I was trying some new ideas

[@SomeGuy8796]

@@FishinNStuff all good my friend .. I was laying in bed with wife some time ago and we were trying to figure out what to watch and she comes up with "put on the click da bell guy" .. so you see, you got a winner there brother!!! ... LOL .. keep up the great work!!

[@FishinNStuff]

@@SomeGuy8796 I appreciate you telling me lol . I be sure to do it next time lol

[@SomeGuy8796]

@@FishinNStuff CLICK da Bell!!

[@turkntrader]

Add a small 12V pump, spray handle and a cutting board; and you have a cleaning station as well 🤔🤓

[@allen6903]

Your diy videos are AWESOME for the most part. LOL

[@FishinNStuff]

Lol

[@MattShepherdFishin]

Yep, this is my next DIY Kayak Fishing Project for catfishing 👍 and add some leds to it 👍

[@PastorPeewee20]

Awesomeness thanks man ur awesome....igloo rocks

[@drdeankos2356]

Good to see you back mate missed ya vids having with drawls haha love your work this live well is great will build one indeed thanks again for sharing your master work be safe hope to see more vids soon tight lines ........

[@fishn365]

Another great video! I look for folks throwing out coolers. Yeah, they just throw them out..perfectly good ones. The problem you addressed about the hollow tops, on the older style, is an easy fix..drill a hole the same size of the tube diameter on a can of that expandable foam stuff..spray away until it's filled. Also, Clam makes a rechargeable lithium bubbler with two outlets. I use it for both ice fishing and warm weather fishing to keep bait alive. Works great. Thanks for the video!!!

[@psychofishermen]

I added a 12v hardwire pump in my boat. The D battery Hush is ok, but holy Toledo does the 12v pump pump pump so much more air. I also upgraded my stone to a micro air stone, again huge difference. Love the videos, keep em coming!

[@georgecooke2009]

Another idea would be to add an emergency blanket, one of the reflective type, you know the tinfoil ones, to the top of the live well.Carefully glue it on and smooth it out with a brush, no or only a few wrinkles. If you want to make it tough then just put a thin coat of clear epoxy over it, no glass. Like the man says, these hack videos are AWESOME.

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you brother

[@grdray2138]

Awesome idea. I like this one the best of your live wells. Gotta do one myself.thanks for the idea and the video. Take care.

[@mwgillispie]

Love your videos, always a great watch. Like the fact that you always share where you get ideas and other links.

[@gotemfishing2190]

BTW! You can use GEL super glue to glue the air stone down. It won’t kill fish or coral! Just make double dog sure that you purchase the gel super glue.

[@ModestReviews]

Love this channel!

[@DESERTSTATELINEANGLERS]

Awesome brother

[@raw123yt]

To help keep the water and fish cool you can make a cover for the cooler with Reflectix Radiant Barrier. Most big box stores sell it. And buy a roll of the foil tape. My cooler cover is like a box, without a bottom, that slips over my cooler. There is a slit in the top for the handle. Keeps my worms happy all day. At the end of the day the blue ice block still feels cool.

[@flahornet132]

Absolutely awesome Keep it up

[@MrKatfishHimself]

Hey bud. Me again lol. Shoot, I might just get this solar charging pump. Appreciate the DIYS

[@isidorocastillo2811]

Great updated DYI

[@slavikrogozins691]

You can add also Peltier element with the circulation pump and that will keep your water at whatever the temperature you want provided that you installed the controller and temperature sensor.

[@mauricecason5369]

Wow that's awesome diy I can't believe you're finally going to be live on catfish weekly congratulations 🎉🎉🎉 brother

[@FishinNStuff]

I know , I won't be able to edit it lol

[@gerardgrote3153]

That’s a really good idea.

[@FishinNStuff]

Thank you

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Awesome 🎣👍👍👍😉

[@robw1871]

You crack me up! But you do some great projects.

[@eggyolkmemel0rd682]

If you are going to make another one then here's a suggestion. Make it have a mesh bottom for the inside with a handle on it. You can lift the handle and move the mesh up which will cause the minnows to go up. This makes it easier to catch them!

[@ReelSavage24]

My next project 👍🏽 Thank you for sharing 🙏🏽

[@sistaslab3159]

I love watching your videos I learned so much My boat does not have a live well I am going to try this

[@jackiethomas37]

I like your show keep it up

[@slavikrogozins691]

Also you can get battery adapter and run it for the voltage regulator and have 12 volts from your ridged 18volt battery that is a rapid charge or DeWalt or Milwaukee

[@christophermcneil7415]

Awesome... thanX for sharing!

[@anthonybarrera3775]

Pretty dang awesome!

[@chrissewell1608]

I like the dual aeration systems. And I didn't even know they made a solar powered aerator. That is awesome! I use a suction cup style recirculation pump / aerator. It works great, but does use more power. But it'll run off a 12 volt, sealed lead acid battery or 12v cigarette port (in my boat / truck)

[@pedrocruz4710]

Awesome! Can't wait for the live stream