Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator, White

Description

If you depend on perky minnows and shiners, the Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator, White clicks into the lid of any Magnum Bait Station and starts moving oxygen in seconds, turning your cooler into a compact livewell. You can run this quiet bait bucket aerator from the included 12-volt adapter or with two D batteries, which makes it a practical live bait aerator for minnows at home, in the truck, or on the dock. For anyone looking for a straightforward replacement aerator for a Frabill bait cooler, this plug-and-play unit is purpose-built to keep bait fresh and active.

Key Customer Benefits

• Snap-in fix that gets oxygen flowing fast: The Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator drops into the integrated lid port in seconds, so you can go from sluggish bait to steady bubbles without tools. The kit includes the aerator, air hose, air stone, and a 12-volt adapter, which means you have everything you need to start moving water and boosting dissolved oxygen right away.
• Power it anywhere, in the truck or on the dock: Use the included 12-volt adapter when you are on the road, or switch to two D-cell batteries when you are shore fishing or away from power. That flexibility turns your bait cooler into a portable livewell, a big advantage over plug-only pumps and a smart upgrade for any bait cooler aerator replacement.
• A perfect fit for every Magnum size: Whether you own the 13-quart or the roomier 19-quart cooler, this OEM unit is built to connect to the lid of any Frabill Magnum Bait Station model, no drilling and no guessing. If your original pump finally wore out, this keeps your cooler system working the way it was designed to.
• Quieter aeration that stresses bait less: Anglers comparing premium bait coolers have noted that Frabill’s pump placement and sound profile feel more refined and quieter in real use. Less noise and vibration can reduce stress on sensitive minnows, particularly when you are driving long distances at night.
• Protects your bait investment: When an aerator fails, you can lose a full tank of bait and an entire morning’s plan. Swapping in a fresh, purpose-built pump avoids the heartbreak that some users report when a dead aerator turns a cooler into a still bucket and the bait into sunk cost.
• Built to pair with a proven cold-weather system: The Magnum Bait Station itself is an insulated, rugged cooler that has been tested to keep bait healthy in tough conditions. Replacing the aerator with the correct unit keeps that sealed system working as intended, which is especially valuable during cold snaps and windy boat rides.

Product Description

What this aerator is

The Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator, White is the OEM pump module that snaps into the pre-molded port on any Magnum Bait Station lid. Frabill lists it under model number FRBAP1319, and the kit includes the aerator unit, silicone air hose, porous air stone, and a 12-volt adapter. It runs on vehicle power or on two D-cell batteries when you are shore-hopping, so your bait stays lively whether you are driving or walking to a pier. Installation takes only a few seconds because the port is integrated into the cooler lid from the factory.

How it keeps minnows alive

Bait dies when dissolved oxygen falls faster than it can be replaced, which happens quickly in warm water, tight spaces, and during transport. Fisheries guidance recommends keeping dissolved oxygen at about five milligrams per liter or higher for most warm-water fish. Levels near two to four milligrams per liter can trigger stress, surface gulping, and losses.

An aerator constantly pulls room air through a hose and breaks it into many small bubbles at the stone, which increases the surface area where oxygen can diffuse into the water. Extension publications also note that the smallest possible bubbles transfer oxygen more efficiently, and that monitoring becomes critical because oxygen can drop fast as fish consume it. The Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator does that oxygenation step for you continuously, which is exactly what short-term holding systems need.

What makes it effective and different

Because the Magnum cooler’s aerator port is built into the lid, you are not wrestling with clip-on pumps or drilling plastic. That single, sealed system turns the insulated cooler into a compact livewell that opens cleanly, keeps water where it belongs, and gets oxygen moving with a quick click into place. Frabill’s own Magnum cooler line was built and tested for cold-weather use, which is why so many anglers pair the cooler’s insulation with this exact replacement pump when the original finally wears out.

Real-world noise matters when you have a sleeping crew or a quiet predawn ramp. Multiple angler reports describe Frabill’s pump placement and sound as quieter than some alternatives, which reduces vibration and stress during long drives. That small detail can keep sensitive bait like shiners and fatheads in better shape when you arrive.

If you like to sanity-check gear before buying, Frabill’s catalog page lists current pricing and review averages for the replacement aerator. At the time of writing, the product page shows an average rating around the low-to-mid two star range from a couple dozen reviews, which tells you to maintain the air stone, charge or replace batteries on schedule, and secure the hose to avoid kinks. Those are normal upkeep items for any bait cooler aerator replacement, yet they are exactly the sort of details that separate a good morning from a ruined one.

Product Specifications

Spec	Detail
Product name	Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator, White
Brand	Frabill
Manufacturer part number	FRBAP1319
Compatibility	Designed to snap into the integrated lid port on all Frabill Magnum Bait Station models. Works with both the 13-quart and 19-quart sizes.
What is included	Aerator unit, air hose, air stone, and 12-volt adapter
Power options	Runs from the included 12-volt adapter or two D-cell batteries that are not included
Dimensions	Approx. 10 x 9 x 3 inches. Metric retailer listings show 25.4 x 22.86 x 7.62 cm. These are packaged dimensions that some retailers publish
Weight	Listed around 0.90 lb by multiple marine retailers. Retailer listings vary due to packaging
Color	White
Typical use	Replacement snap-in aerator for Frabill Magnum Bait Station coolers to oxygenate water and keep minnows lively during storage and transport
Safety and handling	Frabill instructions for comparable aerators advise keeping the pump unit dry and not submerging the motor housing. Disconnect power before servicing
California Prop 65	Several retailer listings include a Prop 65 warning for this part number. See California’s Prop 65 site for what the warning means
Warranty	Frabill states a one year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Keep your proof of purchase to make a claim

 

How to Install and Use the Aerator

Before you start

Confirm you have the Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator, White and that your cooler is a Magnum Bait Station, either the 13 quart or the 19 quart size. The replacement aerator is designed to snap into the molded port in the lid and it comes with an air hose, an air stone, and a 12 volt adapter. It can also run on two D batteries when you are away from the truck. This matters because it means a true plug and play fit without drilling or clips.

If you plan to fill at home, use water from the bait shop or dechlorinated tap water. Chlorine in municipal water can harm bait, which is why extension guides advise using a dechlorinator if you are not using well water or bait shop water.

A quick note on legality and etiquette. Many regions require you to drain water from boats and containers before driving away to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The exact rule varies by state, some states exempt personal bait containers while others do not, so check your local regulations before you transport water.

Step by step installation, from box to bubbles

1. Lay out the parts and prep the lid. Open the cooler, locate the integrated aerator port in the lid, and make sure the gasket and opening are clean. Frabill designs this system so the pump housing snaps into that port and seals neatly.
2. Connect the air system. Push one end of the clear air hose onto the aerator outlet and the other end onto the air stone. This is the same basic hookup Frabill specifies for its Aqua-Life aerators. Keep connections snug so they do not rattle loose on the drive to the ramp.
3. Place the air stone. Set the stone near a side wall close to the bottom, not buried under a pile of bait. Extension guidance notes that the smallest bubbles transfer oxygen more efficiently, so a clean stone producing fine bubbles is your friend.
4. Fill and seat the aerator. Fill the cooler with your prepared water, then snap the aerator into the lid port. That fixed location is the whole point of the Magnum design, it keeps the lid easy to open and the system tidy while you fish.
5. Power it up. Use the included 12 volt adapter at home or in the truck, or install two D batteries for bank fishing and ice hopping. Either way, you should see a steady boil of fine bubbles within seconds.

Safety note from Frabill aerator instructions. The pump housing is water resistant, not submersible, so keep the motor area dry and the battery compartment clean and closed.

Dial in oxygen and temperature

Warm water carries less oxygen and crowded bait uses oxygen fast. Fisheries guidance for warmwater species targets about five milligrams per liter of dissolved oxygen for good fish health, which is why steady aeration and reasonable stocking density matter. If you own a simple DO test kit, use it.

Heat control is the second half of the equation. Many anglers keep temps in the safe zone by chilling the water gently with frozen water bottles instead of bare ice, which can add chlorine if it is city water and can shock fish if added too quickly. Add one bottle at a time and swap as it thaws.

Optional salt for transport, when and how to use it

Veterinary extension from the University of Florida explains that a low level of salt in transport water can reduce osmoregulatory stress in freshwater fish. The recommended range for transport is zero point one to zero point three percent sodium chloride. That equals roughly 3.8 to 11.4 grams per gallon of water. Dissolve the salt completely in a small bucket, then add it slowly to your cooler while the aerator is running. Always verify species tolerance and skip salt if you are unsure.

On the road and on the ice

Keep the cooler shaded, secure the lid, and avoid piling gear on the pump housing. Route the hose so it does not kink when you open the lid. If you see fish surfacing or gulping, that signals stress, so reduce bait density, swap in a fresh frozen bottle, or refresh part of the water. Those behaviors are classic low oxygen cues described by extension specialists.

Real world feedback from anglers who have run both Engel and Frabill systems also notes that Frabill’s pump placement and sound profile are quieter in practice, which helps during long drives at night. Quieter gear means less vibration and often less bait stress.

Routine care that keeps bubbles fine and bait lively

Rinse the air stone after each trip and replace or clean stones about every six months in regular use. A clogged stone makes coarse bubbles and that reduces oxygen transfer. Dechlorinate any new tap water you add. These two small habits are straight from aquaculture extension playbooks and they pay off in fewer surprise losses.

Keep batteries fresh and the contacts dry. Frabill’s printed instructions for similar portable aerators remind users that the aerator is not waterproof, so dry hands and a closed battery compartment go a long way.

Common Issues and How To Fix

If there are no bubbles, check battery orientation or the 12 volt connection, then inspect the hose for kinks and the stone for clogging. If the pump runs but bubbles are weak, swap to a fresh stone and shorten any extra hose length. If minnows crowd the surface, reduce the bait load and cool the water slightly with a frozen bottle. These steps align with extension guidance about oxygen demand, temperature, and bubble size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this replacement fit my 13-quart or 19-quart Magnum Bait Station?

Yes. Frabill states that the Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator connects to the lid of any Magnum Bait Station model, which covers both the 13-quart and 19-quart coolers. That drop-in design is the point of the Magnum system and is why this part is the right OEM fix.

What is included in the box?

The kit includes the aerator unit, clear air hose, porous air stone, and a 12-volt adapter. Batteries are not included. This is consistent across the Frabill product page and major retailer listings.

What power options does it use?

You can run it from the included 12-volt adapter in your vehicle, or switch to two D-cell batteries when you are away from power. That gives you flexibility on the road and at the bank.

Can I plug it into household wall power?

Frabill does not list a 120-volt wall adapter as included with this replacement aerator. Frabill sells a separate 120-volt adaptor for compatible aerators, so if you need wall power, check the adaptor product and your aerator’s port before buying. For this replacement unit, the documented options are 12-volt DC or two D-cells.

How long do two D-cell batteries typically last?

Frabill does not publish an exact runtime for this specific replacement aerator. Real-world reports on comparable Frabill D-cell aerators range widely, which reflects battery quality, water temperature, and airflow setting. Examples include retailer specs and user reports that mention about 20 plus hours, roughly 24 to 30 hours, around 40 hours, and 50 plus hours for certain Whisper-Quiet models. Expect your results to vary, and use the 12-volt adapter while driving to conserve batteries.

Is the replacement aerator quiet?

Anglers comparing premium bait coolers have noted that Frabill’s pump placement on the Magnum is quieter in practice compared with some alternatives. Quieter gear means less vibration that can stress bait during long drives.

Is the pump waterproof?

Treat the housing as water resistant, not submersible. Keep the motor area dry and the battery compartment closed. Frabill literature for similar portable aerators specifically calls out water-resistant gasket designs, which is a good general rule for this style of pump.

What hose and air stone should I use for replacements?

Frabill sells an Aerator Accessory Pack that includes two air stones and a 30 inch no-kink hose that works with their portable aerators. Many anglers also swap stones and hose routinely to maintain fine bubbles. For the simplest fit, use Frabill’s accessory pack.

What are the actual dimensions of the replacement aerator?

Retailers list two types of measurements. One Scheels expert answer lists the unit at about 7.5 by 5.5 by 2.5 inches, while Amazon lists 10 by 9 by 3 inches, which appears to be the packaged size. Expect slight variation among sellers due to how they measure.

Does it have more than one speed?

The Magnum Bait Station coolers ship with a two-speed aerator. The replacement aerator product page focuses on power options and does not specify speed settings. If variable speed matters to you, verify with Frabill support before purchase.

What warranty does Frabill provide?

Frabill offers a one year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Keep your dated receipt in case you need service.

Why do some listings show a California Proposition 65 warning?

Many bait stations and related accessories carry a Prop 65 notice. Retailer pages for the Magnum lineup show the warning that California requires when certain chemicals may be present. If you live in California and want to read the state’s explanation, the notice links to the official site.

Will it work in freezing weather?

Plenty of ice anglers use Magnum coolers, but be mindful that moisture and freezing can be tough on any portable aerator. One ice-fishing thread describes a pump failure after a cold run that likely involved freezing while operating. Keep the unit dry, protect it from direct snow and slush, and consider bringing the aerator inside the vehicle between spots.

Can I add a little salt to reduce stress on minnows during transport?

Yes, when used correctly. University guidance notes that zero point one to zero point three percent salt can reduce osmoregulatory stress during short transport. That equals roughly 1 to 3 grams per 1,000 milliliters, or 3.8 to 11.4 grams per gallon. Dissolve the salt fully and add slowly while the Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator is running. Always confirm species tolerance first.

How do I know if my bait is getting enough oxygen?

Warmwater fish begin to stress when dissolved oxygen falls below about five milligrams per liter, and you will often see surface gulping if levels drop near two milligrams per liter. Continuous aeration, reasonable bait density, and keeping water cool are your best defenses. A simple DO test kit is a smart add.

Conclusion

If your bait cooler has lost its bubbles, the Frabill Magnum Bait Station Replacement Aerator, White is the straightforward, OEM fix that gets oxygen moving fast. It snaps into the lid port on any Magnum Bait Station, and it runs from the included 12 volt adapter or from two D batteries when you are away from the truck. That simple combination keeps minnows lively at home, on the road, and at the dock.

From a fish health standpoint, this little pump is doing the most important job of all, adding dissolved oxygen. Extension guidance flags that fish begin to stress when dissolved oxygen dips below about five milligrams per liter, and surface gulping often appears near two milligrams per liter. Continuous aeration, reasonable bait density, and a light touch with temperature control are your best insurance against early losses.