Abstract: An aquarium stick-on liquid crystal thermometer with visual temperature indicator to be viewed through a first wall of an aquarium and including a transparent layer of adhesive over the temperature indicator for attaching the visual material in airtight connection to the exterior of a second wall of the aquarium. The temperature indicators are then viewed through the aquarium water and the aquarium walls. Because of the airtight coupling of the thermometer, the temperature indicators appear clear, bright and distinct when viewed.

Abstract: A water pump assembly for an aquarium aeration system includes a housing surrounding an electric pump. Within the housing, a water conduit passes an impeller of the pump for the generation of a stream of moving water. An air-breather conduit conducts air from a location above the housing to an air-induction port in a sidewall of the water conduit. The aquarium power head is provided with a clamp for attaching the power head to the aquarium tank. The clamp has a ring which mates a tubular inlet portion of the housing and engages that inlet portion. A flow diverter to adjust the water flow exiting the power head in a desired direction is adjustably connected to the outlet portion of the housing of the power head.

Abstract: A water pump assembly for an aquarium aeration system includes a housing surrounding an electric pump. Within the housing, a water conduit passes an impeller of the pump for the generation of a stream of moving water. An air-breather conduit conducts air from a location above the housing to an air-induction port in a sidewall of the water conduit. The aquarium power head is provided with a clamp for attaching the power head to the aquarium tank. The clamp has a ring which mates a tubular inlet portion of the housing and engages that inlet portion. A flow diverter to adjust the water flow exiting the power head in a desired direction is adjustably connected to the outlet portion of the housing of the power head.

Abstract: A floating impeller assembly for use with an electromagnetic stator unit includes a stationary shaft with a magnetic rotor rotationally mounted on the shaft. An impeller unit is rotationally mounted on the shaft and a unitary retaining and clutch mechanism between the magnetic rotor and the impeller unit drives the impeller unit by means of rotation of the magnetic rotor. The magnetic rotor and the impeller float on the shaft facilitating reducing the noise, friction and wear, heretofore, present in prior art units. The floating impeller assembly is used within an aquarium filter for drawing water from the aquarium into the aquarium filter for filtration and discharge back into the aquarium tank.

Abstract: A filter flow indicator for use with a filter bag into which contaminated aquarium water is pumped which comprises a meter tube connected to a inlet tube by an effective venturi connection. Water flowing in the inlet tube flows across the venturi connection. The rate of flow in the inlet tube is related to the amount of clogging in the filter bag. An indication is included on the meter tube as to when the filter should be replaced. As the filter bag clogs, the flow rate on the inlet tube slows down causing the water level in the meter tube to increase. When the level of the water reaches the indication, the filter is sufficiently clogged so that it should be replaced.

Abstract: A water pump including a rotating impeller is located between the two filter chambers, and pumps water from the aquarium tank, via the inlet conduit, into a corridor which communicates with the two filter chambers. The impeller is constructed with relatively closely spaced radially extending blades, each of which is formed of a circular disk. A base edge, or chord, of each blade is inclined upon a frustoconical surface of a central hub of the impeller.

Abstract: An aquarium filtration system is formed as a filter assembly for mounting on the wall of an aquarium tank, and includes a pair of filter chambers, each having a filter element, mounted side by side along the aquarium wall. An inlet conduit is located in a transverse medial plane of the assembly. A water pump including a rotating impeller is located between the two filter chambers, and pumps water from the aquarium tank, via the inlet conduit, into a corridor which communicates with the two filter chambers. The impeller is constructed with relatively closely spaced radially extending blades, each of which is formed of a circular disk. A base edge, or chord, of each blade is inclined upon a frustoconical surface of a central hub of the impeller. A discharge end of the inlet conduit directs water upon the impeller blades, the latter urging the water outward along a horizontal plane into the corridor.

Abstract: An aerobic filter which comprises a chamber for holding a medium for aerobic bacterial growth. The chamber is positioned to receive filtered water from a primary file which at least physically filters contaminated aquarium water. The chamber is also positioned to be at least partially out of the aquarium water to provide oxygenation of the aerobic bacteria to enhance their growth, and to directly return the aerobically filtered water to the aquarium.

Abstract: A water pump assembly for an aquarium aeration system includes a housing surrounding an electric pump. Within the housing, a water conduit passes an impeller of the pump for the generation of a stream of moving water. An air-breather conduit conducts air from a location above the housing to an air-induction port in a sidewall of the water conduit wherein the moving water produces a venturi action for drawing in air and entraining the air as a series of bubbles in the stream of water. The process of mixing air with the water produces sound. A muffler disposed on top of the housing is connected serial with the air-breather conduit for attenuating the sound to permit a viewing of the aquarium without the distraction of the sound. A valve may be located on an air inlet port above the muffler for adjusting a rate of flow of the air.

Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly which can be utilized as a diatomaceous earth filter which is self-priming. The filter includes a housing having a pump means from which depends a filtering element. The water pumped through the filtering element can be directed either back into the housing for recirculation of the water in the housing, or out of the housing and back into the aquarium tank for filtering of the aquarium tank water. A valve within the housing operates to permit water entry into the housing upon initial insertion and during filtration of the aquarium tank water. The valve closes when the water flow from the filtering element is directed back into the housing. Diatomaceous earth can be added into the housing and the water recirculated within the housing serves to self-prime the filter element. After charging the filter element, the water flow from the filtering element is directed into the aquarium tank and the valve opens to permit regular filtering of the aquarium tank water.

Abstract: A filter cartridge comprising a framework and a surrounding envelope of filter material. The framework is reusable and provided with a rough, granular surface texture to provide increase surface area available for the propagation of aerobic bacteria. The envelope is disposable. Thus, biological filtration of the water provided by the aerobic bacteria is not interrupted upon replacement of the filter material. A second filter medium may be disposed within the envelope. The envelope is held in place by a pair of flaps which sandwich an edge of the filter material.

Abstract: A bottom aquarium filter for an aquarium tank including a substantially cylindrical container having an inwardly directed concave forward wall. A grill wall removably coupled onto the concave forward wall and defining therewith an inlet chamber. A removable L-shaped insert member includes a substantially circular perforated platform wall and an upstanding convex partition wall. The platform wall spacedly sits on the bottom of the container and defines with the container a filtration chamber above the platform and a clear water chamber beneath the platform. The partition wall mates in opposition against a rear peripheral section of the circular wall of the container and defines therewith an air lift chamber. A removable cover mounts onto the container and includes a mouth aligned with the air lift chamber. The cover serves to retain all of the members in unitary assembly.

Abstract: An aquarium filter assembly having a filter box with an impeller unit. An encapsulated electromagnetic power unit is removably coupled to the filter box for driving the impeller unit. The power unit is thermally separated from the filter box to prevent damage to the filter box as a result of the heat generated by the power unit.

Abstract: An aquarium water treatment module comprising a tubule formed of biologically acceptable thermoplastic material. The tubule has a specific gravity proximate that of water. The tubule can be inserted within a filter device such as an internal aquarium filter or a filter cartridge. The tubule is light in weight so that it can disperse within the filter. The tubule supports the propagation of organisms useful in the biological filtration of the water.

Abstract: Ornamental artificial foliage for placement within an aquarium. The foliage formed of a material which is not harmful to the aquatic life within the aquarium. The ornamental foliage has a rough, granular surface texture over and above that normally required for the aesthetic appearance of the foliage. The rough, granular surface provides an increase in the surface area presented by the unmodified foliage to support increased growth and propagation of organisms which are active in causing biological filtration, thereby providing an effective source of biological filtration within the aquarium.