the oxygenator, how effective is it?

The OxygenatorHow well does it work?

The Oxygenator is battery-powered device purported to increase oxygen in livewells.

According to the manufacturer, it splits water (H20) into its two basic elements,

hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O), resulting in formation of dissolved oxygen.

More information about the device can be found at the manufacturer’s website: www.keepfishalive.com

Both the Portable and the Pro Livewell Flush Mount models of the Oxygenator were evaluated.

The Portable model was used in a 2006 Skeeter and the Pro Livewell Flush Mount was installed into a 2008 Skeeter. Both boats had two independent 15- gallon capacity livewells.

For each boat and Oxygenator combination, six one-hour trials were conducted with oxygen level measured every 10 minutes.

Two trials were conducted for each of the following: Recirculation system only Oxygenator only Oxygenator and recirculation together.

Livewells did not contain fish.

Portable Oxygenator Test Results

Recirculation produced substantially more oxygen than the oxygenator and raised oxygen level to near saturation in 10 minutes.

Using the Oxygenator together with recirculation increased oxygen by only 3.8% over recirculation only.

Time (minutes)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Dis

solv

ed

oxy

ge

n (

pp

m)

4

5

6

7

8

9

RecirculationOxygenatorRecirculation and Oxygenator

Water temperature = 75 FOxygen saturation = 8.4 PPM

Time (minutes)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Dis

solv

ed o

xyge

n (p

pm)

5

6

7

8

9

RecirculationOxygenatorRecirculation and Oxygenator

Pro Livewell Flush Mount Oxygenator Test Results

Oxygen increased minimally using recirculation and recirculation together with the Oxygenator. Oxygen did not increase when using the Oxygenator only.

Using the Oxygenator together with recirculation increased oxygen by only 3.8% over recirculation only.

Water temperature = 68 FOxygen saturation = 9.1 PPM

Conclusions and Recommendations

The Oxygenator produced less oxygen than standard recirculation on two Skeeter Boats.

The Oxygenator increased oxygen by only 3.8% when used

together with recirculation.

If using the Oxygenator, run recirculation system continuously to maintain sufficient oxygen in livewells.

Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentInland Fisheries Division

District 1D Management12861 Galm Rd.

San Antonio, Texas210-688-9460

District 3D Management900 CR 218

Brookeland, TX 75931409-698-9114