Abstract: Live water solutions containing natural fresh water or saltwater microorganisms, is used in the bio-cycling of aquariums and to provide a healthy aquatic environment. Live water obtained from natural bodies of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, river, or stream is filtered through filter media having a pore size between 5 and 20 microns to remove contaminants and debris while allowing microorganisms to remain in suspension. The live water is packaged in containers for retail sale thereby providing consumers with a source of live aquarium water for use in an aquarium during initial set-up, to replace water lost to evaporation, and for effecting quick water changes. An enrichment solution is disclosed to aid in maintaining the microorganisms metabolically and physiologically viable for extended periods. In an alternate embodiment, the live water is concentrated to a salinity level not less than 0.8 aw thereby reducing volume while maintaining microorganism viability.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: Live water solutions containing natural fresh water or saltwater microorganisms, is used in the bio-cycling of aquariums and to provide a healthy aquatic environment. Live water obtained from natural bodies of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, river, or stream is filtered through filter media having a pore size between 5 and 20 microns to remove contaminants and debris while allowing microorganisms to remain in suspension. The live water is packaged in containers for retail sale thereby providing consumers with a source of live aquarium water for use in an aquarium during initial set-up, to replace water lost to evaporation, and for effecting quick water changes. An enrichment solution is disclosed to aid in maintaining the microorganisms metabolically and physiologically viable for extended periods. In an alternate embodiment, the live water is concentrated to a salinity level not less than 0.8 aw thereby reducing volume while maintaining microorganism viablility.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A method of harvesting and packaging marine substrate material with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method for the harvesting materials that are naturally rich with bacteria, such as sand, shells, aragonite, and crushed coral materials harvested from submerged marine environments, and packaging the harvested materials in specifically sized sealed containers, suitable for storage at room temperature and retail sale, such that marine bacteria are preserved in their natural habitat—in biofilms attached to the granular surfaces—for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A method of harvesting and packaging marine substrate material with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method for the harvesting materials that are naturally rich with bacteria, such as sand, shells, aragonite, and crushed coral materials harvested from submerged marine environments, and packaging the harvested materials in specifically sized sealed containers, suitable for storage at room temperature and retail sale, such that marine bacteria are preserved in their natural habitat—in biofilms attached to the granular surfaces—for extended periods of time.

Abstract: Vibrantly colored stones for use as decorative landscape elements are disclosed. The invention includes a process, including coating formulations, apparatus, and a method for preparing and applying specific acrylic-based color coatings to river rocks, stones, and the like thereby resulting in brightly colored decorative stones suitable for use in landscaping. End use stabilizers prevent color degradation, while the addition of faceted grains of mineral material enhance visual appearance. Colored stones produced according to the process herein are durable, colorfast, non-toxic, mildew resistant, algae resistant and otherwise environmentally safe. The stones may be used as decorative elements in a wide variety of landscape settings.