Bait tank primer bulb?

[CheapPelican]

I'm kicking around ideas for a new bait tank. I want a scupper pick up and would like to avoid using a primer bulb if possible. My question is; How high can you mount a pump without needing a primer bulb.

[bus kid]

You don't need a primer bulb put a 90 deg elbow pointing forward, a little forward momentum will do the trick.

[theluckypig]

i use a separate male pvc fitting attached to a bulb pump. when ready to prime, i connect to the fitting / pump to the female inlet of my tank, a pump or two, primed, then remove the fitting / pump... works for me...

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by bus kid

You don't need a primer bulb put a 90 deg elbow pointing forward, a little forward momentum will do the trick.

This method works flawlessly.

[bus kid]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

This method works flawlessly.

Its the Godfathers preferred method.

Originally Posted by Iceman

water pick up thru tank scupper. This is a similar variation of the Hobie tank set up.

cut down a 90 male 1" thread to 3/4 hose elbow so it fits in the channel flush, the screw splits the opening in half to keep debri out.





Easily changed out to most kayaks.....skanky after rain bay water



Simple way of getting that thru hull set up with out drilling those big holes. A little forward momentum is all it takes to prime/ 6 volt kept prime and worked well.

[CheapPelican]

Originally Posted by bus kid

You don't need a primer bulb put a 90 deg elbow pointing forward, a little forward momentum will do the trick.

Similar to the hobie livewells pickup, thought about it. The pump would be 1-1/2 to 2" higher than the hobie set up, and i figured it would need some extra help to get started. I guess I could experiment by wedging a couple 2x4s under the livewell.

Do you think running the pump off of 12v would give the pump extra oomph to pull the water uphill?

[GregAndrew]

12V is not going to help you with an impeller driven pump. There are problems with the elbow method also. You cannot strain the water coming in much at all without reducing the water flow enough to make it not work. So if you use that method, make sure your pump is accessible for cleaning in an emergency. Primer bulb cuts down on the flow except, in the case that James (luckypig) pointed out, where you temp attach it inside the tank until water flows.

[bus kid]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

12V is not going to help you with an impeller driven pump. There are problems with the elbow method also. You cannot strain the water coming in much at all without reducing the water flow enough to make it not work. So if you use that method, make sure your pump is accessible for cleaning in an emergency. Primer bulb cuts down on the flow except, in the case that James (luckypig) pointed out, where you temp attach it inside the tank until water flows.

X2

[CheapPelican]

Guess I'll stop trying to re-invent the wheel