Pro-Air Bubbler system

[canvsbk]

I'm thinking about installing a Pro-Air stone bubble system in my boat.
GOOD OR BAD??

[djkimmel]

I put it in my boat several seasons ago. It definitely hasn't seemed to hurt. I think it may help some even. On long runs, I pump my livewells completely full, plug the overflow off and turn on the Pro-air with a little Please Release Me in there. I've had very good results.

Get some extra stones from Fish stores. The part on top of the stones that goes into the hose sometimes breaks.

[MBell]

I plug my wells all the time and use a bubbler, you save a lot of weight by not running around with all that water.  I didn't buy the pro air system, just bought a pump some stones from the fish aquarium isle at wal-mart and tubing.  Only cost around $30 dollars.  I also like it because the air pump is much quieter than the aerator.  I leave it running all day and change the water a few times.  I've heard that good bubblers more than double the oxeygen content of the water. 
-Matt

[Dan]

Okay, I need more info. How and where do you run the tubing. Does it mean cutting and drilling and where do you switch the pump? How big is the pump? Different sizes available? I like the idea and would certainly consider anything that helps sustain and increase the odds for the fish I keep in my livewells. Have increased the size of my aerator pumps and man they shoot a lot of air into my water now.

[MBell]

I had to put a new switch on my dash and run wires.  I mouted the pump behind my livewells in the battery area.  I then ran tubes into my livewell and to the stones.  I drilled holes near the top of the livewell so water doesn't leak.  The stones break the air into smaller bubbles, and as they rise oxeygen is absorbed into the water.  The smaller bubble allow more oxeygen to be absorbed into the water. 
-Matt

[Dan]

But, what happens if your are the type of guy that when it comes to mechanical things you need to stick to sock puppets.

[djkimmel]

You're talking about me again, aren't you. I installed the Pro-Air in my boat and didn't do any long term lasting damage (as far as I know). Just put some white goo around the air tube after you run it through the hole near the top of the livewell (livewell side and battery box side).

The Pro-Air came with a holder for in the well that the hose runs through and into the stone - it holds the stone too. Just glued the holder to the back of the live well. Not sure how Matt did his homemade job...

If you get stuck somehow, break out the sock puppets...