Ok, hello for starters I have a question about water/electrofishing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of an electric fence controller to reduce the population of crappie in a private pond through electrofishing. Participants explore the technical setup, grounding issues, and the effectiveness of the method, while addressing safety and ethical considerations related to stunning fish.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their setup using a model 57 electric fence controller connected to a battery, noting that it worked in a small test but not in the pond.
  • Another participant questions the grounding method and suggests that the distance between electrodes may be too great for effective current dispersion.
  • Some participants discuss the nature of electrofishing, clarifying that it is intended to stun fish temporarily rather than kill them, and reference its use by fisheries biologists.
  • Concerns are raised about the conductivity of pond water and its impact on the effectiveness of the setup.
  • Participants express a desire to understand the underlying principles of electrofishing equipment and explore DIY solutions, including the use of surplus generators.
  • There is mention of the need for a pulsing charge to achieve the desired stunning effect, and discussions about the differences between magnetos and dynamos in generating the necessary current.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the technical aspects of the electrofishing setup. While there is agreement on the goal of reducing crappie populations, there is no consensus on the best method or equipment to achieve this.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their understanding of electrical systems and the specific requirements for effective electrofishing, including grounding techniques and equipment specifications.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electrofishing, pond management, DIY electronics, and fisheries biology may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
Maybe that might work.
 
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  • #32
it didnt, lol
 
  • #33
something about my set up was off
 
  • #34
D'you mean the fence charger? No. Just dip the 120 VAC 100 Amp leads momentarily and far apart, across the pond from each other.
 
  • #35
Iseepotential said:
alternating current is what I want right? Direct won't work right? So I can't just rig something off of 12v?

Please do a bit more reading, now that we know the correct term is "electrofishing". Wikipedia has a good article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrofishing Including links to more information. It appears that the waveform probably should be pulsed DC, with the waveshape having an effect on the size of the fish that are attracted/stunned.

And here is a regulation from the Fish & Wildlife Service about electrofishing, although it appears to be mostly about safety aspects for its own F&WS employees when they are electrofishing as part of their conservation work: http://www.fws.gov/policy/241fw6.html

:smile:
 
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  • #36
Its a private pond, what's a waveshape? Not trying irritate you smart people just enjoy expert advice straight from the "horses mouth"
 
  • #37
private as in not under government control...thank the good lord
 
  • #38
berkeman said:
Please do a bit more reading, now that we know the correct term is "electrofishing". Wikipedia has a good article about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrofishing Including links to more information. It appears that the waveform probably should be pulsed DC, with the waveshape having an effect on the size of the fish that are attracted/stunned.
Very interesting about galvanotaxis. I admit I didn't know that. I thought they just stun the fish by currents between electrodes.
 
  • #39
I have read about these taxi's...what the hell does that mean? I assume not a mode of transportation.
 
  • #40
I was being sarcastic what is taxis?
 
  • #41
nevermind, wikipedia told me and gave me a headache
 
  • #42
I got it to work with a 12v and an inverter with a chain cathode and a grappling hook shaped silver solder anode. Measured 97 volts on a meter and could only get 24v on dc with two batteries in sequence. The problem is ac makes them sink where dc creates "taxis" and makes them come to the surface. I'm stumped, I think I need a "multiplier" for the dc. I just don't have a clue how to achieve it. Is that what a transformer does?
 
  • #43
Doug Huffman said:
Electric fences are low current at high voltage. Surplus phone generators are common and a better answer. How about a hot side 120 VAC from the mains, maybe with a light bulb current limiter. Dip the lead momentarily and shut off the supply.
That's what I was thinking. The basic requirement is fairly different for an electric fence and a fish electrocutor so I suspect the same device wouldn't do both jobs well.
As this is PF, I need to point our the Health and Safety issues here. Getting even a small electrical belt when you're in a tiny boat could turn a nice day out into a disaster. Make sure you use the right protocols for using such gear. I really don't like the idea of dipping a mains lead into water!
 
  • #44
Yes, this thread has become a discussion of a dangerous activity by a person who does not know that they are doing. As such, it violates the PF rules and is now closed.