Things You'll Need:
- Bait tank and electrical pump
- Nylon scrub brush
- Baking soda
- Chlorine bleach
- Fish net
- Fine wire mesh such as window screening
- Duct tape
- Cutting shears
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Step 1
Use or release all baitfish in the tank and drain the water.
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Step 2
Pour 1 cup of chlorine bleach into the tank for every gallon of capacity, then fill to the top with water from a garden hose.
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Step 3
Scrub the inside of the tank with a nylon bristle brush until all scales, algae and scum are removed from the walls.
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Step 4
Drain the tank and flush with clean, cold water for 10 minutes to remove all traces of bleach.
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Step 5
Pour 1 gallon of water into the tank and add 1 cup of baking soda, swirling the mixture around to dissolve the powder.
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Step 6
Insert the aerator hose into the tank and turn on the pump for 10 minutes to circulate the baking soda, which will eliminate foul odors.
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Step 7
Drain the tank completely and allow to air-dry with the lid open before refilling with fresh water and baitfish.
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Step 8
Cut a circle of mesh screen slightly larger than the diameter of the pump hose and place the mesh over the hose end.
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Step 9
Fold the screen over the hose and secure it with a wrap of duct tape. The mesh allows water to circulate while preventing the small scales from the baitfish and other debris from clogging the pump.
