
How does livewell pump work? A livewell is a tank found on many fishing boats that is used to keep bait and caught fish alive. It works by pumping fresh water from the surrounding body into the tank, as well as keeping the water aerated.
Why do I need A livewell pump?
Keeping your bait active is important in order to attract fish. It also keeps your fish as active as when you caught them. The use of the Livewell pump also eliminates the heat and ammonia build-up that can be detrimental to your bait and fish.
What is a Shurflo livewell pump?
This SHURFLO livewell pump has magnetic impellers that prevent clogs and motor damage. These impellers can drive a good volume of water and solid debris, and if they get stuck, the magnets kick in to safeguard the motor from burning out.
What is the best saltwater livewell pump?
Though most pumps are not capable enough to withstand the sodium enriched waters, the SHURFLO Bait Sentry is known for its exceptional performance, making it the best saltwater livewell pump. This SHURFLO livewell pump has magnetic impellers that prevent clogs and motor damage.
What size livewell pump do I need for my tank?
In the case of a 30-gallon livewell, a pump that pushes 1,260 gph or more will keep most baits in prime condition. For a 50-gallon tank, a pump with 2,100 gph or more would do the trick.

Is a livewell pump the same as an aerator pump?
A re-circulation pump recirculates the water inside your live well. Some people also call this an aerator... re-circulation adds air into the water. They are the same thing just call it which ever one you want too.
Is there a difference between a bilge pump and livewell pump?
As you can see, looks like the livewell pumps are identical to the bilge pump, just a different base. The bottom portion is just a mounting bracket, at least in the bilge, but the livewell pumps have hoses to pump/circulate water.
What is the purpose of a live well?
Livewells Keep Your Catch Alive and Healthy A livewell is an aerated tank in the boat, similar to an aquarium, that holds fish in water until weigh-in time so that they have a better chance of survival when released.
What is a livewell pump out?
A pump-out feature provides a convenient means of filling a tournament livewell weigh-in bag and also enables a livewell to be pumped out while the boat is still in the water or when moored at a dock overnight.
Where is the livewell pump located?
5:1017:31How to Install or Replace a Livewell Aerator Pump in Your Boat!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's going into a harness right in here you can see kind of a cluster of wires. And then backMoreThat's going into a harness right in here you can see kind of a cluster of wires. And then back there where it says v500. That's actually the bilge pump.
How do you use a livewell on a boat?
0:112:56How To Operate Your Livewell || Longshore Boats - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can tell that it's activated because the light is on on this one. There is no water flowingMoreYou can tell that it's activated because the light is on on this one. There is no water flowing until you take the valve. And you open. It. Once you get the water flowing.
How do you get water in a livewell?
2:159:53HOW TO USE BASS BOAT LIVEWELLS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn right there. And so that's going to be an additional pump so I'm gonna be pumping two pumps toMoreIn right there. And so that's going to be an additional pump so I'm gonna be pumping two pumps to pump into that lab well you can see it's filling up really quickly. Sitting at the end in there.
How does a livewell system work?
A livewell is a tank found on many fishing boats that is used to keep bait and caught fish alive. It works by pumping fresh water from the surrounding body into the tank, as well as keeping the water aerated.
How do I empty a live well?
If you think it may be plugged, just take a hose and hold it up to the intake hole at the back of the boat and force water through the system to flush out the drain/fill hose into the livewell. If the water goes in it should come out. Should have a overflow tube that unscrews exposing the drain.
How do I know if my livewell pump is bad?
If you hear the pump running, it may be worn out, and unable to pump water because the impeller is too worn. Just to be sure, check and make sure there's no crossover switch that's on recirculate, instead of auto fill. There might also be some debris in the pump.
How does a livewell switch work?
This system's valve is inserted into the aeration hose between the recirculating pump and the aerator. A rotary actuator allows the operator to select normal recirculation or “Pump-Out” which allows the pump to lower the water level of the livewell to aid in fish removal. Especially useful at tournament weigh-ins.
How do you clean a livewell pump?
Fill the livewell at least three-quarters full. Pour all of the the vinegar and peroxide into the livewell. Then turn on the recirculating pump to thoroughly mix the water and cleaning agents. Use the brush to scrub all parts and surfaces of the livewell, including the screens and the well side of the drain plug.
How long do livewell pumps last?
It depends on the livewell pump’s make, model, and build quality. But to extend the lifespan, regular maintenance is required. Also, a livewell pum...
What are the best livewell pump brands?
There are plenty of options on the market; here are some of the best livewell pump brands: Attwood livewell pump Johnson livewell pump Shurflo live...
Can a livewell tank function without a pump?
It is pointless to have a livewell without a livewell pump as it ensures that water is circulated, and remains aerated.
Can I use a bilge pump for a livewell?
Yes, the bilge pump for livewell does work because it runs on a similar mechanism as a centrifugal livewell pump — it has the same impellers and mo...
Is a motor cartridge the same as a livewell pump?
It is not the same as a livewell pump, but it can be tailored to work as a pump.
What’s the difference between a livewell pump and an aerator?
A boat livewell pump brings water to the livewell, whereas an aerator infuses air into it. When on the market to look for a new pump, you should bu...
How do you oxygenate a fish tank without a pump?
Well, you have to create a pumping-like effect manually. Follow these steps: Use a cup or any container and fill it with the water in the livewell...
Do I need separate pumps if I have multiple livewell tanks?
Based on the dimensions of your boat, ask yourself what size livewell pump do I need? A good-sized pump can be used with multiple livewells, but it...
What can I do if my livewell pump is not working?
1. Check the wiring and the connectors, to ensure you are getting the right amount of voltage to drive the pump. 2 Check for clogs. 3 Ensure that t...
What is a livewell pump?
Livewells are an essential part of that equation and a good functioning livewell can mean the difference between a good day of fishing and a great day. Livewell technology and Livewell pumps have come a long way.
Who sells Livewell pumps?
Wholesale Marine sells Livewell parts and pumps from manufacturers like Rule, Attwood, Johnson, and Shurflo. Livewell pumps provide a fresh flow of water that fish need to stay active and alive. Keeping your bait active is important in order to attract fish. It also keeps your fish as active as when you caught them.
What is an Attwood aerator?
Attwood Tsunami Aerator Pump Aerator pumps continuously move water and pump oxygen into livewell tanks to keep fish active and alive, either as bait or the day’s catch. As its name suggests, the Attwood Tsunami Aerator Pump delivers power and...
What are the advantages of livewell pumps?
Here are some advantages of having the best livewell pumps for boats: You can adjust water levels and circulation. Helps keep oxygen at acceptable levels.
What happens if a livewell pump leaks?
Surprisingly, livewell pumps carry some safety risks. For example, if there is a leak, there is a chance that your bait will die, but it may even damage your boat. Therefore, look for a pump made from quality materials, secure shut-off options, and airtight seals.
What is the difference between a livewell pump and an aerator?
A boat livewell pump brings water to the livewell, whereas an aerator infuses air into it. When on the market to look for a new pump, you should buy the best livewell aerator pumps — a pump that does both functions without the need to buy a separate aerator.
What is the best saltwater pump?
Though most pumps are not capable enough to withstand the sodium enriched waters, the SHURFLO Bait Sentry is known for its exceptional performance, making it the best saltwater livewell pump. This SHURFLO livewell pump has magnetic impellers that prevent clogs and motor damage.
How often should I replace a livewell pump?
The water is replaced every five to ten minutes, but the tank should have water replaced at least six times within an hour, i.e., every 10 minutes.
How long does a livewell last?
Thanks to a livewell and livewell pump, sea creatures and bait can last for at least five to eight hours. IT all depends on the flow rate, the size of the tank, the amount of present oxygen, the number of fish within the livewell, etc.
Do livewell pumps have aerators?
Ensure that you buy a livewell pump with an aerator, because a livewell aerator pump not only drives in water to the tank, but it also oxygenates the water and keeps it fresh. This feature helps you:
How much gph does a livewell pump need?
In the case of a 30-gallon livewell, a pump that pushes 1,260 gph or more will keep most baits in prime condition. For a 50-gallon tank, a pump with 2,100 gph or more would do the trick. ADVERTISEMENT.
What are livewells used for?
Livewells for offshore baits can be divided into two main types: tanks and tubes. Livewell tanks are far more common, but tuna tubes are necessary for keeping large marlin baits like Spanish mackerel, false albacore and skipjacks. Whether you're using tubes or tanks, the single most important factor affecting your bait's health is water flow.
How long does a livewell keep bait?
Updated: May 6, 2019. A good livewell setup will keep bait happy and healthy for hours (even days) at a time. David J. Shuler. You’re trapped in a hot, dark, stuffy fiberglass jail cell. Merely breathing is difficult, and you can barely move.
Can a livewell have a single inlet point?
Forget about them — if your livewell has a single inlet point, it already can’t qualify as one of the best livewells. Where the water enters a well can be just as important as how much enters it, because single inflows can fail to efficiently mix the water. As a result, low-oxygen “dead spots” can form.
Why are live wells needed?
1. Large live wells are required to sustain a large quantity of fish. 2. Large live well pumps are needed to move large quantities of water through the live well to keep live bait and fish alive. To understand what is really needed for proper aeration, it is best to take a parallel look at ourselves and fish. 1.
How fast should water flow in a well?
Ideal water flow within the well should be approximately 1 to 2 MPH, and in a circular motion. This will allow fish to school and provide a smooth flow of water over and through their gills. If the water flow is excessive, bait tire quickly and will not be lively.
Do bilge pumps require endurance?
Bilge pumps do not require the endurance to operate for long periods of time , and many brands of bilge pumps cannot provide the stamina of continuous operation as live well pumps. The following systems use pumps to maintain fish in live wells. Choose your pump wisely!
What does a livewell pump do?
A livewell pump would suck up every bit of debris in the bilge and very likely stall in short order. The slots on a bilge pump a closer to the bottom of the boat and therefore will leave less water in the bilge and act as a filter of sorts so it will not be plugged by debris. Here is a bilge pump.
Where is the bilge pump on a boat?
A bilge pump has a slotted housing that sits on the bottom of the boat . If someone has repalced the bilge pump with a livewell pump then that was a mistake. Livewell pumps have a through hull fitting or a hose barb on the intake side and a hose barb or threaded fitting on the outlet side.
Is a Silvertip a bilge pump?
Only the "cartridge" is the same. The OP's pump may not have a replaceable cartridge so he is indeed looking for a "livewell" pump, not a bilge pump.
