Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing cost and space requirements and increasing ease of cleaning/harvesting of algae scrubbers and seaweed cultivators by utilizing illumination domes, macroalgal settlement structures, reservoirs including overflowing and pole mount, repositionable water outlet structures, 3D printed macroalgal attachment materials, and submersible macroalgal illumination devices.

Abstract: A fish farm having a land-based fish tank (1a-e) and a water supply system (100) with a supply line (2C,D) and a discharge line (2A,B) fluidly connected to a water reservoir (3); a fluid intermediate storage (5,6, 56); a circulation conduit (9a-f) fluidly connected to the fish tank (1a-e); a valve arrangement (10a-p) fluidly connected to the supply line (2C,D), the discharge line (2A,B), the fluid intermediate storage (5,6, 56) and the circulation conduit (9a-f), the valve arrangement (10a-p) having first and second operational configurations for circulation of fluid between the fluid intermediate storage (5,6, 56) and the tank (1a-e) via the circulation conduit (9a-f) and for circulation of fluid between the fluid intermediate storage (5,6, 56) and the reservoir (3) via the supply and discharge lines (2A-D). There is also provided a method for operating a fish farm having at least one land-based fish tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a dynamic decision-making process in relation to feeding animals in water. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving feeding and/or farming strategies used in a fish farm.

Abstract: A fish tank air hose channel apparatus for channeling and hiding air hoses includes a triangular top housing having a hose aperture extending through a pair of back walls. A pair of clips is coupled to the top housing is configured to engage a rim of a fish tank. A top end of a shaft is coupled to a bottom wall of the top housing around a shaft aperture extending therethrough. A bottom end of the shaft is coupled around an entry aperture extending through a rear face of a base. The base has a plurality of exit apertures extending through a front face to the entry aperture. The apparatus is configured to receive a plurality of air hoses fed through the hose aperture, into the shaft aperture, through the shaft, into the entry aperture of the base and out the plurality of exit apertures.

Abstract: A pedicure, manicure, and massage spa water treatment system is described. The treatment system provides a container for containing spa treatment water and multiple fish, a spa water treatment container having a first spa water treatment section hydraulically connected to the container and a second spa water treatment section hydraulically connected to both the container and the first spa water treatment section, and a carbon reactor device. The spa treatment water hydraulically and sequentially flows from the container to the first spa water treatment section, to the second spa water treatment section, and subsequently to the container. An inlet of the carbon reactor device is in hydraulic communication with the first spa water treatment section and an outlet of the carbon reactor device being in hydraulic communication with the second spa water treatment section. Only a portion of the filtered spa treatment water contacts the carbon reactor device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated aquaponics apparatus. The aquaponics apparatus may include at least one fish holding tank configured to contain water. Further, the aquaponics apparatus may include at least one hydroponic unit. Further, the aquaponics apparatus may include a bio-digester. Further, the aquaponics apparatus may include an atmospheric water generator and a desalination reverse osmosis system. Further, the aquaponics apparatus may include an energy production system configured to generate energy. Further, the aquaponics apparatus may include at least one sensor configured to sense at least one variable. Further, the aquaponics apparatus may include a control unit configured to control an operational state of one or more of the at least one fish holding tank, the at least one hydroponic unit, the bio-digester, the desalination reverse osmosis system and the energy production system.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for an aquarium is disclosed. The filter arrangement can include a housing assembly, a pump assembly, a transfer tube assembly, and a valve assembly for controlling water flow through the transfer tube assembly. The transfer tube assembly can include a tube structure within which a valve body of the valve assembly is rotatably disposed. The tube structure can be formed from a first tube half mated to a second tube half to permanently secure the valve body within the tube structure. A valve operator can be connected to the valve body to advantageously allow a user to manipulate the flow of water through the transfer tube assembly. Control of water flow through the filter arrangement is beneficial for obtaining a desired water flow for a certain aquarium size and application and for reducing flow during certain periods, such as during feeding.

Abstract: A pedicure, manicure, and massage spa water treatment system is disclosed. The pedicure, manicure, and massage spa water treatment system provides a container for containing spa treatment water and multiple fish, a spa water treatment container having a first spa water treatment section hydraulically connected to the container and a second spa water treatment section hydraulically connected to both the container and the first spa water treatment section. The spa treatment water hydraulically and sequentially flows from the container to the first spa water treatment section, to the second spa water treatment section, and subsequently to the container. The spa treatment water hydraulically flows from the container through a filtering device prior to hydraulic introduction to the first spa water treatment section and forming filtered spa treatment water.

Abstract: An aquarium filter cartridge includes a frame and a media pack attached to the frame. The frame includes recessed sections along the sides. The filter cartridge can be part of dual filter cartridge, also including a biological host media filter element. The filter cartridge or the dual filter cartridge can be mounted in a filter housing by sliding within receiving grooves in the filter housing. Methods of servicing are included.

Abstract: The invention is a high-throughput voltage screening crystallographic device and methodology that uses multiple micro wells and electric circuits capable of assaying different crystallization condition for the same or different proteins of interest at the same of different voltages under a humidity and temperature controlled environment. The protein is solubilized in a lipid matrix similar to the lipid composition of the protein in the native environment to ensure stability of the protein during crystallization. The invention provides a system and method where the protein is transferred to a lipid matrix that holds a resting membrane potential, which reduces the degree of conformational freedom of the protein. The invention overcomes the majority of the difficulties associated with vapor diffusion techniques and essentially reconstitutes the protein in its native lipid environment under “cuasi” physiological conditions.

Abstract: An overflow box and a filter system for an aquarium are disclosed which quiets the removal of waste water from an aquarium. The aquarium has a bottom wall, a sidewall, a first aperture formed through the sidewall, and a peripheral rim. The overflow box has a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall and two sidewalls. The front wall has a first opening formed therethrough which is coaxially aligned with the first aperture formed in the sidewall of the aquarium. The bottom wall of the overflow box has a plurality of slip fittings formed therein. The plurality of slip fittings are of at least three different sizes. One of the slip fittings is open to water flow while the remaining slip fittings are initially closed to water flow by a thin wall. The overflow box also has an open top.

Abstract: Water treatment equipment for recirculating aquaculture contains: at least one aquaculture tank, an aeration unit, at least one water circulating tank, a plurality of membrane filtering units and a water returning unit. Each aquaculture tank includes plural connecting plate units and a flowing cup; the aeration unit includes a plurality of air supply pipes. Each water circulating tank includes a nitration reacting chamber and an accommodating chamber, and the nitration reacting chamber has a flow tube outwardly extending to the flowing cup and a nitrifying bacteria layer fixed therein. Each membrane filtering unit is a circularly flat membrane and includes a water pipe and plural disc-shaped film bags, wherein each film bag has two filtering films communicating with the water pipe; and the water returning unit is fixed outside each aquaculture tank and includes a pump and a water return tube.

Abstract: An inline intravenous (IV) fluid sterilization system can be located within directly upstream of the patient's access point, downstream of any breach points, so as to ensure fluid sterility. The chamber space between the walls is accessed by a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port between which the fluid flows. The inlet port is connected to a conduit/tubing from the fluid source and the outlet port is interconnected with a conduit/tubing that is free of breach points and interconnects to the patient access point. The inner wall allows for transmission of UV light into the fluid space. The walls define a space therebetween that is relatively small radially, allowing for a sufficient flow rate, but providing a large surface area and small fluid depth for exposure to the UV light. The UV light is provided by an elongated lamp within a cavity of the inner wall.

Abstract: An aquarium filtering and purifying system includes an upper display tank and a lower filter tank. The water from the upper tank can be delivered to the lower tank to a filter, such as within a surrounding filter fabric or membrane, such as a filter sock. An air tube can also be inserted into the filter tank to an unfiltered side of the filter, such as within the filter sock, to deliver air bubbles into the filter tank. The air tube can have an air stone at the end thereof to diffuse the air bubbles. Further air stones can be provided on an outside of the sock in the first compartment. Filtered water is delivered to a second compartment in the filter tank. The next compartment can have sand, and/or rocks and/or algae and/or a clean-up crew to assist in purifying the water. Water from the second compartment then passes to a third compartment, through a bubble trap, and then is pumped back to the display tank. Alternatively, the first compartment can be provided with a macro algae bed instead of a filter sock.

Abstract: A multi-path aquarium filtration system having multiple chambers adapted to receive different types of treatment systems, and having a bypass gate assembly whereby the flow volume between certain chambers is adjustable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a paddle wheel mechanism for a pool cleaner. The paddle wheel mechanism includes a housing, a paddle wheel shaft supported by the housing, a first paddle wheel, and a second paddle wheel. The housing directs fluid from a fluid path of the pool cleaner into a first flow path and a second flow path. The first paddle wheel is supported by the paddle wheel shaft and is positioned within the housing along the first flow path. The second paddle wheel is supported by the paddle wheel shaft and is positioned within the housing along the second flow path. The first paddle wheel rotates responsive to fluid directed along the first flow path, and the second paddle wheel rotates responsive to fluid directed along the second flow path.

Abstract: A circulation type aquaculture method and a circulation type aquaculture apparatus which treat and remove ammonia harmful to fishes/shellfishes. The method includes a first step of finding an ammonia decomposition rate upon preliminarily treating cultivation water by using ozone or hypochloric acid so as to set a target remaining amount of ammonia after the decomposing treatment, a second step of finding the amount of ammonia in cultivation water so as to calculate a treating period of time required for reducing the amount of ammonia to the target remaining amount of ammonia based upon the ammonia decomposition rate of the first step, a third step of treating the cultivation water using ozone or hypochloric acid during the treating period of time calculated in the second step so as to treat and decompose ammonia in the cultivation water and a fourth step of returning the cultivation water to the aquaculture tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a biofilter for wastewater digestion, in which a high degree of contaminant removal is obtained with a single device. In order for these levels to be achieved, the following are essential: the shape of the biofilter, the supply/discharge ratio of the biofilter, the position and height of each of the components and, finally, the combination of two packed zones, namely: a random zone, and a zone arranged in the form of ringed or corrugated tube bundles.

Abstract: A water circulation and filtration device for jellyfish aquarium, designed to be suspended from a top opening of the aquarium and partially submerged in water. It includes a pump house basket and a lid on top. The pump house basket has polygonal shape in horizontal cross sections, and tapered or straight in vertical cross sections. The pump house basket is divided into an intake chamber at the bottom with multiple inlet slits on its sides, a pump house chamber above the intake chamber to accommodate a pump, and a sealed return chamber around the pump house chamber. The sidewall of the pump house basket has a step feature which includes a plurality of flute style outlets disposed along the outside surface of the pump house basket above the inlet slits. The pump draws from the intake chamber and discharges to the return chamber and water is discharged via the outlets.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling an aquatic habitat. The system for includes a server, a bridge, and a habitat component. The server includes a database containing information associated with a habitat component. The server also includes a communication interface for transmitting operating data for the habitat component. The bridge has a first communication unit configured to communicate with the server communication interface and transmit the operating data received from the server to the habitat component. The habitat component has a second communication unit for receiving operating data from the bridge.

Abstract: A biofilter is provided. The biofilter comprises a housing; an inlet defining an upstream end of the housing; an outlet defining a downstream end of the housing; a chamber comprising an upstream opening and a downstream opening, the chamber configured to contain a filtration medium; and a counter flow generator for generating a counter flow of water in an upstream direction in the chamber. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A water circulation pump pre-filter unit (PFU). The PFU is submerged and provides structure to camouflage the system to give a natural and aesthetic look. The PFU comprises at least two cleaning systems: (1) biological cleaning mechanism; and (2) an internal self-cleaning mechanism. Specifically, the PFU comprises several filtering surfaces that form a repository for pond debris on which fish and other aquatic creatures feed, i.e., the biological cleaning mechanism. These filtering surfaces of the PFU also provide a protective barrier that prevents large debris from entering the circulation pump. The internal self-cleaning mechanism is a spray wash water source mechanism used to clean the PFU without removing the PFU or fish from the pond or entering the water. Together these features improve the quality of the water in the pond and extend the life of a pump.

Abstract: An aquarium suitable for displaying jellyfish includes a chamber having interior walls that divide the chamber into a series of compartments. The first compartment is the viewing area having openings in the side walls that permit water to flow out of the viewing area while retaining jellyfish and flow into viewing area in a manner that keeps jellyfish suspended. A spillover riser is located between the first and second compartment that defines a channel through which the first and second compartment communicate. The second compartment has an air inlet providing the motive force to circulate water throughout the aquarium and introduce air bubbles to operate a foam fractionating device the inside the aquarium. The third compartment provides an area for placement of filter media and other necessary devices to keep jellyfish alive. The channel below the viewing area provides communication between the second and third compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquaponics system and method. There is provided an aquaponics system including a tank (10) for housing at least one aquatic animal species; a plant growing apparatus (18) for housing one or more plant species growing in an aqueous environment; and a biofilter module including a solids removal means (12) and a biological waste digestion unit (14) including a biological species for digesting solids to produce plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are transferred to the plant growing apparatus (18) and at least a portion of the water is returned to the tank (10).

Abstract: A biofilter is provided. The biofilter comprises a housing; an inlet defining an upstream end of the housing; an outlet defining a downstream end of the housing; a chamber comprising an upstream opening and a downstream opening, the chamber configured to contain a filtration medium; and a counter flow generator for generating a counter flow of water in an upstream direction in the chamber. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A multitrophic, inland aquaculture system allows for the cultivation of aquatic animals as a food source and the cultivation of algae for use as biofuel and biomass in a sustainable manner based on the symbiotic nature of the organisms grown. This unique process minimizes biological, energy, and water inputs to create a highly sustainable system by utilizing the cyclic conversion of oxygen to carbon dioxide and back to oxygen as well as using the biological waste from aquatic food organisms to provide nutrients for algae organisms for the benefit of both species. This enables the cultivation of food species in higher densities than previously possible, and eliminates the need to provide additional nutrients, water, and non-atmospheric carbon dioxide for algal growth.

Abstract: An aquarium is disclosed that includes a plurality of exterior walls that define a tank, a cylindrical wall within the tank that defines a cylindrical viewing area, a first upright interior wall adjacent the cylindrical wall that defines a water inlet chamber between the cylindrical wall and the one of said exterior walls, a spillover riser in the water inlet chamber, and a water inlet in communication with one side of the spillover barrier.

Abstract: The method and device for filtering liquid in an aquarium, the filtration device made by the liquid filtration method comprises a box-shaped casing, the filtration bodies and filtration materials are set inside the casing, wherein the casing includes a water inlet set around the casing and grid panels set inside both sides of the casing; the filtration bodies include an inner filtration body set inside the grid panels and an outer filtration body set outside the grid panels; the filtration materials are filled inside the casing, between the inner filtration body and grid panels; in this way, the liquid to be filtered enters into the casing through the water inlet and flows out from the grid panels, and proceeds further from the casing via the inner filtration body, filtration materials and outer filtration body treatment.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system using a rotating container, comprising a shell having an inlet pipe installation port and an outlet port, the inlet pipe installation port and the outlet port are located on the same or opposite side (end) of the shell, and having some distance from the outermost edge of the shell, such that said rotating container can retain fluid during rotation. Stirring blades are placed inside the shell of said rotating container, which rotate with the shell synchronously. The purification process includes the injection of the fluid into the rotating container, which can withhold liquid during high-speed rotation. When the fluid in the rotating container swirls at high speed, substances of higher densities will accumulate at the internal wall of the rotating container away from the rotation axis, whereas substances of lower densities will accumulate at the inner ring region closer to the rotation axis.

Abstract: An aquarium filtration system with enhanced features comprising a continuous flow of filtered and processed water as well as a continuous drain system is herein disclosed. In such a manner, the water is continually changed over time, thus minimizing required emptying and/or cleaning. Additionally the system holds and maintains the desired pH level and water hardness, while controlling ammonia and nitrite levels. A filter on the incoming water line removes chlorine and other chemicals before the water passes onto the aquarium. The system works in conjunction with a conventional automatic water level controller. Automatic check valves control water flow and prevent back flow.

Abstract: A filtering unit (1) for an aquarium is described, said filtering unit (1) comprising a closed casing (2), which is to be immersed in a liquid, inlet means (3), a liquid path (4) passing through filters (8), outlet means (5, 15-18), an electric pump assembly (6) for forcing liquid to circulate along said liquid path (4). The outlet means (5, 15-18) comprise a multiple outlet selector (18) which may allow selection of outlets (15-17), in particular in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An aquarium includes: a box having an accommodating space therein; a dividing board disposed in the accommodating space of the box to divide it into a cultivating layer and a nitrobacteria layer; a pump for drawing water and air, mixing them into bubbles, and sending the mixture out via a transporting pipe; a foam remover connected with the transporting pipe and having a foam outlet and a water outlet. The bubbles received from the transporting pipe are broken into smaller bubbles in the foam remover. The protein impurities in the water are expelled with the bubbles via the foam outlet. The processed water flows via the water outlet into the nitrobacteria layer to decompose the proteins.

Abstract: The closed-type aquarium of the present invention includes a light transmissive container in which a vapor phase of air and a liquid phase of water are sealed. The liquid phase includes a shrimp, an aquatic plant and a microorganism. Further, to enhance efficiency of material recycling, the liquid phase includes a snail that has a different ecological niche than that of the shrimp and a plant dead body that supplements a resource essential for photosynthesis of the aquatic plant.

Abstract: A filtering device for an aquarium which can easily perform maintenance, inspection and repair of a pump is provided. The present invention is directed to a filtering device for an aquarium to be installed outside an aquarium 1. The device includes a casing 20 open to the atmosphere, a filtration zone Z2 formed in the casing for filtrating water W introduced from the aquarium 1, a discharge pump 35 for sending the water passed through the filtration zone Z2 to an outside of the casing and discharging it into the aquarium, a functional component zone Z1 formed in the casing and separated from the filtration zone Z2, and a functional component unit 3 having the discharge pump 25 and a unit frame 31 for supporting the discharge pump 35. The functional component unit 3 is insertably and detachably accommodated in the functional component zone Z1 of the casing 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel arrangement of denitrification reactors for removal of nitrate compounds in a recirculating aquaculture system. The novel arrangement of an aquaculture system of the present invention includes positioning one or more anaerobic denitrification reactors upstream of aerobic nitrification and degassing processes. One aspect of the present invention includes a flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks towards one or more denitrification reactors. Another aspect of the present invention includes flow of aqueous medium from aquatic species rearing tanks to a solids removing filter or mechanical filtration means for removal of solid waste matter or biomass prior to flow of aqueous medium towards one or more denitrification reactors.

Abstract: Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water in an aquarium to breed aquatic animals, wherein the entrapping immobilization pellets have a phosphorus content of 0.05 mass % or less.

Abstract: A process for treatment of sludge made up of saline organic solids or organic waste produced in a saltwater or brackish aquaculture system is described. The process includes use of a modified reactor, operating under anaerobic conditions, which yields methane from the digestion of the saline organic solids. Modification of a traditional reactor to include a packing substrate provides for saline waste digestion not previously known. Additionally provided is a process for producing methane from the digestion of organic solids. Inclusion of and use of modified reactors in aquaculture systems is also provided.

Abstract: Closed top home aquarium for setting up and maintaining a sea water aquatic environment in particular. The aquarium includes a transparent open topped box-like enclosure, a compartment integrally formed with and behind the box-like enclosure, and a hinged dual position fan cooled hood. The compartment includes a water circulation system and a multistage filtration system. The hood includes a lighting system for daytime and nighttime illumination, and a built-in 24 programmable timer. The aquarium includes a thermostat controlled water temperature system and a below water level splash proof power center for safely and aesthetically connecting all electrical aquarium components to a mains electricity outlet. Home aquariums can be provided with an integrally formed below water level splash proof power center for use with off-the-shelf electrical aquarium appliances.

Abstract: A mechanical and biological filter system where in use water entering into a housing first contacts the mechanical filter covering access to the biological filter. As the water travels through the mechanical filter before reaching the biological filter, the water has been processed and cleaned by the mechanical filter, preventing the mechanically filtered elements from being disposed on the biological filters, to improve the reliability of the biological filter. The filtering of the water first through the mechanical filter provides for maximum use of the surface area of the biological filter for their intended purposes of fostering beneficial bacteria growth. The two stages of filtered water ultimately exits out of the housing through a housing outlet.

Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.

Abstract: Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water in an aquarium to breed aquatic animals, wherein microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an aqueous polymer gel and the entrapping immobilization pellets are colored.

Abstract: An improved and more efficient design for an air driven algae filtration system is achieved because there are no moving parts other than an air pump, and the air is used twice. After using air to circulate water through a filtration unit, the air, still under pressure, is separated from the water. The air is then plumbed to other apparatuses or used for cooling. This allows the filter to be utilized using less electricity. The water is de-gassed before reaching the algae filter. Therefore, no splash guard is necessary to prevent water from splashing the lights. With no splash guard, lower wattage lights can be used to illuminate the algae. This also increases the efficiency of this system. This filter also lends itself to maintaining a reef aquarium.

Abstract: A filter cartridge including a filtering body having first and second porous filter walls. The second porous filter wall having a density that is different than the first porous filter wall. The density of the second porous filter wall being defined by interstitial spaces. The filter cartridge further including discrete chemically filtering particles that are captured within the interstitial spaces of the second porous filter wall when the filtering body is in a vertical filtering orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquaponics system and method. There is provided an aquaponics system including a tank (10) for housing at least one aquatic animal species; a plant growing apparatus (18) for housing one or more plant species growing in an aqueous environment; and a biofilter module including a solids removal means (12) and a biological waste digestion unit (14) including a biological species for digesting solids to produce plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are transferred to the plant growing apparatus (18) and at least a portion of the water is returned to the tank (10).

Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly including a carrier and a filter element. The carrier including a water collection cup that collects water from the filter element when the filter cartridge assembly is held in an inverted orientation.

Abstract: An aquarium filter having a filter housing with a rounded bottom. The filter housing including a housing input that directs water into an interior chamber such that the water sweeps across the rounded bottom to reduce or eliminate dead spots and reduce particulate settlement.

Abstract: The aquarium creates a smooth circulation of water flowing through mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration mechanisms. The three filtration mechanisms are housed in a vertical first compartment and a vertical second compartment, both along a back side of the aquarium body, and a lateral third compartment along a bottom side of the body, respectively. A water pump draws water from the third compartment into the second compartment. After a first filtration processes, the water is poured back into the body. Due to the suction of the water pump, water flows from the body into the second compartment to undergo a second filtration process and then enters the third compartment, where a third filtration process is conducted. The water is finally drawn into the second compartment to complete the circulation.

Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly is mounted to an aquarium tank and defines a water flow path therethrough from upstream to downstream from an inlet to an outlet. A replaceable filter element is mounted in a filter chamber.

Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium is provided. The filtration system includes a gate chamber with a gate conduit positioned therein that transports unprocessed water from the aquarium. The gate chamber includes filtering media. The filtration system also includes a siphon chamber that is fluidly coupled to the gate chamber. There is a siphon conduit having a siphon conduit inlet at a first elevation within the siphon chamber, a siphon conduit outlet at a second elevation below the first elevation, and a crest at a third elevation above the first and second elevations. The siphon conduit empties into a catch basin, where the processed water is transported back to the aquarium.

Abstract: An improved water return system for water reservoirs such as aquariums and ponds that provides a return of filtered water through a series of holes rather than a curved weir or spillway. The use of the holes provides for high oxygenation of the water prior to its return to the water reservoir to the benefit of life in the water reservoir. Further, the use of the holes provides reduced noise upon the return of the water because of the surface tensions attracting adjacent streams to each other. Also, placement of the holes provides a damming effect for the filter media that can become a site for the cultivation of beneficial bacteria that are necessary to remove ammonia and nitrites from the water by positioning the media mostly out of water, thereby allowing necessary oxygen to be freely available to grow bacteria.