FAQs

AGITATORS– WHAT DO THEY DO?

For over 55 years our agitators/aerators  have proven to enhance water quality, reduce stress, improve feed conversion efficiency, and increase growth rates. 

   The intent of this message is to explain why Agitators are the most effective equipment for use in minnow tanks. 

   The Agitator puts fresh oxygen into the water by the turning motion of the prop and paddle. The lower half of the paddle turning constantly at a fast speed causes a displaced pocket of water, creating a vacuum pocket. The top half of the paddle holds an opening through the turmoil of the disturbed water so that the fresh air can be sucked into the vacuum pocket and broken into millions of small bubbles. These bubbles are pushed into movement in your tank. Through the constant beating of water a large roll of bubbles or pockets are created around the paddle and basket.  

These bubbles are literally millions of larger pockets of air covered by thin layers of water. When thin layers of water are exposed in the surrounding atmosphere all impurities such as carbon dioxide and ammonia, most of which comes from the droppings and excretions of the fish, are drawn off by evaporation. 

   When fish are up sucking or gasping at the top of the water, they are suffocating and in need of more oxygen in the water. 

The most common causes for loss of life whether it is during transportation, handling or stocking of fish is “Lack of Oxygen.”

WARRANTY—GUARANTEE

Guarantee on motors used in Mino-Savers:

All 110 volt motors are guaranteed for 1 year under normal use, this does not include water damage. Motors used on the  # 5 and #6A units are special made to operate in a vertical position. These motors have six changes over a regular stock motor to give the best service possible.  

On the DC 12 volt motors, since we have no electrical control such as high voltage or if plugged into 110 volt current by mistake, etc., we cannot give a guarantee on this type motor. However if a failure does occur, return the unit to us. If our inspection finds a faulty motor, we will replace or repair and return to you. Should our inspection find the failure is of no fault of the unit, we will advise you of the necessary repairs plus the cost.  

Should a failure occur, do no repair or tamper with the unit as the guarantee becomes void once the unit has been tampered with.  

Units are not guaranteed for use in salt water. If ground plug is removed, any or all motor guarantees are void.

HOW TO USE YOUR AGITATOR

Your agitator should be hung near the center of your tank. If two agitators are used, place one near each end of the tank, submerge into the water up to the red line on the paddle in ideal position, then plug into current. Try not to run your agitator too deep or too shallow in the water. You can harm the motor by running either too deep or too shallow in the water by causing either overload or under load. By over we mean the water is above the redline on the paddle. Under load is when only a small portion of the paddle is in the water. The difficulty to maintain exact control is understandable, however it is important that you try not to overload or under load the unit over any long period of time. Every Mino-Saver is thoroughly tank tested before leaving our plant.

Exception: Model #8 does not have a red line. The water level should at least cover the basket.

NOTICE  110 VOLT UNITS 

The motor on the 110 Volt units are  equipped with thermal overload protector which is an added protection against motor failure due to overload and high voltage. These two factors happen more frequently that one may expect. This motor will reach its maximum temperature in approximately two hours; therefore, it is advisable to spot check your unit during this period. If the motor should cut itself off it should be reset in approximately five to fifteen minutes.

The basket should be kept clean of any material which might tend to fill or clog the basket. Lubricate the basket bearing and clean unit before storing.

NOTES ON FISH GRADING

High quality and uniformity come with healthy fish and adequate size grading.

Grow healthier fish - faster. 

The grading process needn't be stressful or physically traumatizing to you or your fish. 

During grading , calm fish remaining in raceways or tanks commonly feed on schedule, continue to grow, and are less likely to incur diseases induced by physical damage or stress.  

Frequent grading in early stages of development helps to reduce mortality due to cannibalism and may also affect sex ratios in some species. 

Larger fish cost more to reach their size, and the bigger, often more aggressive fish, eat at the expense of smaller ones in the same tank. 

Grading fish is one of many important procedures done by commercial fish farmers and it’s a practice that retail and recreational fish farmers should understand. Grading and Sorting can be accomplished in ponds, holding vats, tanks and raceways. As with any live fish handling practice, there are safe ways and proper methods that will influence the success in sorting and maintaining live fish in good condition. When grading your fish the use of proper equipment and techniques reduce scale loss, stress and mortalities.