Yeah I figured that a filter of some type was needed, I got one now to hook up and try again. Rumor is that the minnows are hard to come by at ferry, but I will stop by and see. I think the colder you can keep the minnows the better, slower metabolism. Agreed on the chlorine being bad, for sure, that's why I used niagara river water just to keep things the same for them. (at first) Happy Fathers day!