Abstract: Aquarium filtration apparatus having a generally trough-shaped filter housing, the rear wall having a bracket portion for hanging on an aquarium, an impeller assembly having a drive magnet being positioned within the bottom of the filter housing with a motor assembly coupled to the undersurface of the bottom with a power driven magnet on the motor assembly in spaced proximate relation to effect magnetic coupling with the magnet of the impeller assembly. An intake assembly is provided in fluid communication with the impeller assembly and with the aquarium water for drawing water from the aquarium into the filter housing. In a first embodiment, the intake assembly is an intake tube having a portion within the filter housing. In a second embodiment, the intake assembly includes a filter chamber within the filter housing in fluid communication with the impeller assembly with an intake tube coupled to the filter chamber for drawing water from the aquarium into the chamber.

Abstract: Aquarium hood apparatus having a base member with an aquarium filtration housing supported in partially depending relation to the base member, the housing having side walls, end walls, a bottom and an open top with a partition within the housing spaced from one end wall defining a water exit chamber for discharging water through an opening in the one end beneath the plane of the base member, the partition having the upper edge thereof spaced below the open end of the housing. A disposable filtration cartridge is disposed longitudinally between the partition and the other end wall to define a first fluid receiving chamber and a cleansed fluid chamber, the latter being in fluid communication with the first chamber, the height of the partition permitting overflow from the fluid receiving chamber into the first chamber in the event of clogging of the filter.

Abstract: An aquarium water heater having a heater element energized by first and second silicon-controlled rectifiers connected in parallel in opposing conductive relation, one rectifier providing energy to the heater element on one-half cycle of alternating current while simultaneouly charging a capacitor which is connected to the gate electrode of the second rectifier for rendering the second rectifier conductive on the other half cycle of alternating current to supply energy to the heater element. Circuit means are connected to the gate electrode of the first rectifier, the circuit means including a thermistor for sensing the water temperature and rendering the first rectifier non-conductive when the water temperature equals a set point determined by a rheostat in the circuit means.

Abstract: A novel integrated aquarium is disclosed wherein all of the necessary mechanical functions (air pump, lighting, heating) are located in a compartment provided as part of the aquarium base and those components particularly subject to mechanical failure are mounted in a slide-out drawer provided as part of said base so that they may be more easily repaired or replaced. In the preferred embodiment disclosed, an incandescent light bulb located in said base furnishes both light and heat to the aquarium and is controlled by a thermal sensor with a manual lamp socket over-ride switch provided. To facilitate removal of the air pump for maintenance and possible replacement, the air supply tube leading from the air pump to a sparger/riser tube assembly associated with an undergravel filter is removably connectable to a passageway communicating with said sparger/riser tube by means of a rubber air cup.

Abstract: An animal habitat includes an exercise wheel simulating the drive wheel on a steam-powered locomotive; protuberances on the exercise wheel strike a trip wire which swings a locomotive bell and an idler disc connects the exercise wheel to simulate locomotive running wheels which may be suitably decorated to produce an effect pleasing to the eye when the running wheels are rotated by the exercise wheel which, in turn, may be rotated by an animal housed in the habitat.

Abstract: Platform is provided with an opening in which a hollow cylindrical member is mounted. The cylindrical member includes an opening for admitting a small animal to the platform and carries a post on which a dome is rotatably mounted with its encompassing sidewall coacting with the platform to cage the animal. The dome carries food compartments depending to a position closely adjacent the platform. An opening in the bottom of each food compartment permits food to be dropped onto the platform beneath the compartment in a position such that the animal must push against the compartment to rotate the dome and expose the food.

Abstract: Revolvable, hollow spheroid has a pair of tubes communicating with its interior 180.degree. apart. The free ends of the tubes may be closed with caps to prevent the animal from escaping. A housing mount rotatably mounts the spheroid and serves as an access opening for an animal of the rodent type. The animal may rotate the spheroid by running on its inner surface or by entering one of the tubes. The housing mount includes a fitting for connecting the spheroid to a tube communicating with an animal cage.

Abstract: Edible material is dispersed in a pad of nesting material. The pad may be placed in a container housing an animal, such as a bird or a rodent, so that the animal may discover food when it pulls tufts of nesting material from the pad.