Abstract: Described herein are nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of saltwater environments, saltwater environments, or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freezing or freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of nitrite in aqueous environments are also provided, using the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention. Methods for detecting the bacteria of the present invention are also provided. Compositions comprising the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention and, inter alia, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are novel ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as well as isolated nucleotide sequences representative of 16S rDNA of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of ammonia in aqueous environments, such as aquaria and wastewater are also provided, using the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention.

Abstract: Bacteria that are capable of ammonia oxidation. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for detecting the bacteria of the present invention are also provided. Such methods may be effected by any conventional methology, such as with a DNA chip.

Abstract: Described herein are novel ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as well as isolated nucleotide sequences representative of 16S rDNA of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Compositions including various combinations of the bacteria are further described, as are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and oligonucleotide probes that may be used to detect these bacteria based on their 16S rDNA.

Abstract: Described herein are nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of saltwater environments, saltwater environments, or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freezing or freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of nitrite in aqueous environments are also provided, using the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention. Methods for detecting the bacteria of the present invention are also provided. Compositions comprising the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention and, inter alia, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are novel ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as well as isolated nucleotide sequences representative of 16S rDNA of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Compositions including various combinations of the bacteria are further described, as are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and oligonucleotide probes that may be used to detect these bacteria based on their 16S rDNA.

Abstract: A system for circulating water between a container and an external system in such a way as to maintain a desired water level in the container may include, an overflow assembly and a return assembly. The overflow and return assemblies are generally tubular structures, each of which includes a pair of concentric tubes. The overflow assembly typically includes a skimmer and a silent overflow device towards its upper portion, as well as a strainer towards its lower portion, wherein water is taken out of the container through the skimmer and/or the strainer. The return assembly typically comprises an upper capped diffuser and a lower diffuser, wherein the former allows for water to exit into an tipper portion of the container and the latter provides for water inflow at a lower portion of the container. Both assemblies are installed inside the container by attaching to a lower wall of the container.

Abstract: A system for circulating water between a container and an external system in such a way as to maintain a desired water level in the container may include an overflow assembly and a return assembly. The overflow and return assemblies are generally tubular structures, each of which includes a pair of concentric tubes. The overflow assembly typically includes a skimmer and a silent overflow device towards its upper portion, as well as a strainer towards its lower portion, wherein water is taken out of the container through the skimmer and/or the strainer. The return assembly typically comprises an upper capped diffuser and a lower diffuser, wherein the former allows for water to exit into an upper portion of the container and the latter provides for water inflow at a lower portion of the container. Both assemblies are installed inside the container by attaching to a lower wall of the container.

Abstract: Described herein are ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for detecting the bacteria of the present invention are also provided. Such methods may be effected by any conventional methology, such as with a DNA chip.

Abstract: Described herein are novel ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as well as isolated nucleotide sequences representative of 16S rDNA of these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of ammonia in aqueous environments, such as aquaria and wastewater are also provided, using the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the present invention.

Abstract: A novel fish bowl and fish bowl supporting stand which accentuates a fish's natural beauty without occupying additional counter space is disclosed. The supporting stand includes a stake, which may be inserted into soil so that the fishbowl is positioned adjacent to a plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated bacterial strain capable of oxidizing nitrite to nitrate and a method of use thereof for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of nitrite in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated bacterial strain capable of oxidizing nitrite to nitrate and a method of use thereof for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of nitrite in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated bacterial strain capable of oxidizing nitrite to nitrate and a method of use thereof for preventing or alleviating the accumulation of nitrite in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A system for controlling a flow of water out of a container in a manner to prevent the generation of noise as an incident to the outflow and to permit adjustment of the water level in the container, the container being a component of apparatus for maintaining water at a desired level in an enclosure. The system basically includes: an outflow conduit defining an outlet flow path via which water flows downwardly out of the container, the conduit having an upper end located within the container and having an inlet opening; a cap overlying the inlet opening and defining with the conduit upper end an annular flow path via which water flows to the inlet opening; and a vent tube extending vertically downwardly through the cap and into the conduit to establish an air flow path between a region above water in the container and a region within the conduit.

Abstract: A biological filter for treating water in an aquatic system, composed of a porous water absorbing body of material adapted for rotation, and a member for supplying water to the body to be absorbed by a portion of the body so as to cause the body to rotate, wherein the member for supplying water to the body is composed of a receptacle located above the water absorbing body, the receptacle defining a water holding volume having a bottom, and the bottom being provided with at least one opening via which water flows out of the volume and onto the water absorbing body under the force of gravity.

Abstract: An aquarium filter system having a rotatably mounted filter body. The filter body is structured such that when mounted with a portion of the filter body submerged in moving water, rotational movement is imparted to the filter body by the moving water. As a result of the rotational movement, at least a portion of the filter body is alternately exposed to the water and the atmosphere. This fosters the growth of aerobic bacteria on the surface of the filter body. The aerobic bacteria reduces the level of toxins within the aquarium water.

Abstract: An aquatic filter system having a rotatably mounted cylindrical filter body. The cylindrical filter body is formed by a water absorbing mass of material. Water applied to one side of the filter body unbalances the filter body which causes the filter body to rotate. As a result of the rotational movement, at least a portion of the filter body is alternately exposed to the water and the atmosphere to foster the growth of aerobic bacteria on the surfaces of the filter body.

Abstract: An aquarium filter system having a rotatably mounted filter body. The filter body is structured such that when mounted with a portion of the filter body submerged in moving water, rotational movement is imparted to the filter body by the moving water. As a result of the rotational movement, at least a portion of the filter body is alternately exposed to the water and the atmosphere. This fosters the growth of aerobic bacteria on the surface of the filter body. The aerobic bacteria reduces the level of toxins within the aquarium water.