Dave and Bruce, I re-fill my O2 cylinder at the local welding supply store, with excellent service since the guys are fishermen.
It is filled at the rate of 2000#�s and as you know the micropore diffuser requires about 25-30# regulator setting to operate the micro-pore diffuser, which is the key to the whole system. The bubbles are so small that can hardly be seen, giving optimum O2 absorption for a long period of usage.
I usually re-fill after about 12 hrs of usage, and still have about 1000#�s left.
I rely on the system so much don�t want to run short when reviving a 5# HSB.
I have only lost one 4# HSB due to fishing mortality - I just played the fish too long.
Was good table fare tho�..
As Bruce has mentioned several times, HSB will �lock-up� from lactic acid build-up and die unless resuscitated.
I have revived numerous stressed belly-up fish using this system.
Currently our water temps have been running more than 80F, and I have recently transferred 30 HSB from ~85 degree water �grow-out� pond to main pond without a single mortality.
Also as many of you know, I keep photo records of our fish,
When I have a specimen I want to photograph, I put it in the O2 live well, let the fish recover, and photo at my convenience.
My every day schedule is to stop at main pond � put about 10 gallon of water in the cooler, add handful of rock salt, and proceed to �grow-out� pond and add another 10 gallons to cooler.
I pay close attention to detail to attain these results.
I don�t like to kill fish, unless for table fair.
In my opinion a system such as ours is invaluable for fish transport, as well a everyday live well use.
Thanks for you comments.
This discussion is good stuff...
