Abstract: An aquarium water heater includes a hollow heat-conducting internal tube with an electric resistance heater element and electrical connections disposed adjacent an outer surface of the hollow heat-conducting internal tube, a temperature thermal cut-out switch electrically connected to the heater element for overheat protection, and a heat-conducting, electrically insulating polymeric filler spaced between the internal tube and an external tube that circumscribes the internal tube and the heater element.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating diseased or injured fish or other aquatic animal includes administering to the fish or other aquatic animal an amount of Pimenta extract selected from the group consisting of Pimenta racemosa and Pimenta dioica sufficient to promote recovery of the diseased or injured fish or other aquatic animal. Also disclosed is a prophylactic method for treating a disease-free fish or other aquatic animal, including adding to water containing or to contain the fish or other aquatic animal Pimenta extract selected from the group consisting of Pimenta racemosa and Pimenta dioica in an amount effective to promote resistance of the aquatic animal to disease. An aqueous emulsion containing Pimenta extract oil in water, where the Pimenta extract is selected from the group consisting of Pimenta racemosa and Pimenta dioica is also disclosed for use in these methods.

Abstract: A therapeutic method for treating diseased or injured fish or other aquatic animal includes administering to the fish or other aquatic animal an amount of Pimenta extract selected from the group consisting of Pimenta racemosa and Pimenta dioica sufficient to promote recovery of the diseased or injured fish or other aquatic animal. Also disclosed is a prophylactic method for treating a disease-free fish or other aquatic animal, including adding to water containing or to contain the fish or other aquatic animal Pimenta extract selected from the group consisting of Pimenta racemosa and Pimenta dioica in an amount effective to promote resistance of the aquatic animal to disease. An aqueous emulsion containing Pimenta extract oil in water, where the Pimenta extract is selected from the group consisting of Pimenta racemosa and Pimenta dioica is also disclosed for use in these methods.

Abstract: A method of treating an injured or diseased aquatic animal by adding an emulsion of cajeput oil to water containing the aquatic animal is disclosed. Effective amounts of cajeput oil which promote recovery from bacterial or fungal diseases, or from wounds, abrasions, or burns, range from 0.001 ml to 1 ml of cajeput oil per day per 10 gallons of water. The cajeput oil emulsion can also contain 0.01% to 20% of an emulsifier, and up to 5% of a defoamer.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of dissolved oxygen in a water sample comprising the steps:(a) providing a water sample of predetermined volume, the oxygen content of which is to be determined;(b) mixing additives with the water sample to form a mixture, the additives comprising an oxidizable metal salt comprising a transition metal cation selected from the group consisting of scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper, and an anion selected from the group consisting of an inorganic anion and an organic anion which, with the cation, results in a water soluble oxidizable metal salt, at least one water soluble alkali metal compound selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal oxide and an alkali metal hydroxide and at least one oxidation-reduction indicator capable of a color change upon oxidation of the metal salt;(c) preventing any substantial contact of the mixture with atmospheric oxygen; and(d) comparing the color of the mixture to a predetermined

Abstract: The present method for deodorizing ammonia odor in an ammonia-containing environment includes adding to the environment a non-toxic, aqueous, acidified amine-based ammonia deodorizing composition in an amount effective to deodorize the ammonia odor in the environment. In addition, a method for preparing the ammonia deodorizing compositions and the compositions produced thereby is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a solution for detoxifying contaminants, such as ammonia, chlorine and chloramine, in aquatic systems. The solution includes a composition of an amine-based ammonia detoxifying compound, in an amount effective to detoxify substantially all of the ammonia, and a dechlorinator. An aqueous solution of the amine-based compound is acidified to adjust the pH to form a stable, non-toxic solution suitable for aquatic life. In addition, methods for preparing the detoxifying solution are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detoxifying ammonia in an ammonia-containing aquatic system comprises adding to the system a novel composition comprising an amine-based ammonia detoxifying solution in an amount effective to detoxifying substantially all of the ammonia, where the solution is non-toxic and has a pH suitable for aquatic life. Further, a method for detoxifying contaminants selected from the group consisting of ammonia, chlorine and chloramine from a contaminated aquatic system comprises adding to the system a novel composition contaminant according to the present detoxifying solution in an amount effective to detoxifying the contaminants, the solution comprising an amine-based ammonia detoxifying compound and a dechlorinator, where the solution is stable, non-toxic and has a pH suitable for aquatic life. In addition, methods for preparing the ammonia detoxifying and contaminant detoxifying compositions and the compositions produced thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: Filter pads useful for filtering and removing contaminants from fluids comprise at least two pad layers of a permeable, nonwoven polymer material, where one pad layer is connected to another pad layer to form a pocket therebetween having an opening extending into the pocket and at least one of the pad layers has sufficient structural integrity or rigidity to maintain the shape of the filter pad in a filter apparatus during use. In addition, methods for removing contaminants from fluids comprise passing fluid through filter pads having a pocket having an opening extending therein.

Abstract: Zeolite-impregnated pads useful for filtering and removing ammonia from fluids and for enhancing plant growth and microbial activity comprise a nonwoven polymer pad having zeolite bonded substantially throughout the pad by a non-toxic adhesive composition. In addition, methods for removing ammonia from fluids comprise passing fluid through zeolite-impregnated pads, and methods for growing plants in situ and methods for growing bacteria comprise using zeolite-impregnated pads to enhance growth.

Abstract: An aquatic viewing system is described for enabling a person to see magnified images of marine life contained in an aquarium. The system includes a magnifying lens and mounting attachment attached to the periphery of the lens. The mounting attachment is adapted to be detachably mounted to a transparent face of the aquarium. The lens may be moved to any desired viewing location on the aquarium by detaching the mounting attachment from the face of the aquarium and re-positioning the mounting attachment and lens at the desired viewing location.

Abstract: A composition comprising an extract of the Aloe vera Linne plant is used to promote healing of damaged fish tissue. It may be used with one or more agents for replacing the natural mucoprotein secretion which coats the skin and scales of fish. The composition may be added to either fresh water or salt water.

Abstract: An improved animal litter is disclosed which extends the life of clay containing litter two to three times by the use of zeolites, such as clinoptilolite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish feeding block and method of making the block. The fish feeding block is comprised of a supporting block formed of a solidified mixture of plaster of Paris and a hygroscopic substance. A plurality of fish food pellets are interspersed substantially throughout the supporting block. A piece of freeze dried fish food is also disposed within the supporting block. The block is formed by mixing plaster of Paris with water and a hygroscopic substance to form a first mixture. A plurality of fish food pellets are mixed into the first mixture to form a second mixture. The second mixture is thereafter poured into a mold. The second mixture is allowed to set within the mold until it reaches a thickened state. A piece of freeze dried fish food is then injected into the second mixture. The second mixture is allowed to solidify and then removed from the mold.