Abstract: A small animal living environment system formed from small animal enclosures fabricated from transparent thermoplastic material. The enclosures having a lid opening large enough to accommodate a human hand and ventilation openings of sufficient size and number to allow for air passage through the enclosure. The enclosures also have a plurality of through openings on the walls of the enclosure, for the passage of small animals therethrough and an attaching means formed at the opening passage for the attachment of tunnel tubes, and small animal living accessories. The attaching means is formed from a U shaped track system wherein an outside edge of the opening passage is formed into at least one U shaped channel on the lower portion of the opening passage, and tunnel tubes are formed with a protruding lip on the outside edge of the tube opening so that the lip may be securely fit into the channel of the U shaped track attaching means.

Abstract: A decorative simulated tree branch system for small animal enclosures made from thermoplastic. The branch is non-toxic, non-leaching, mite and contamination proof, washable, and waterproof, and a realistic representation of a natural tree branch or piece of drift wood. It is formed from a branch base portion and progressively smaller tributary segments which are approximately cylindrical in shape, and may taper as they extend toward the outer ends, as is the case with a natural branch. One preferred embodiment is well suited as a decorative ornament in fish tanks. A second preferred embodiment adapts the present invention for use as a natural looking perch in bird cages. A universal clip, capable of securely attaching the simulated branch to any type of bird cage bar may be provided with the bird perch embodiment.

Abstract: A shelf system which provides a decorative ornament for use inside of aquariums or terrariums. A rigid planar sheet is provided with a means for removable attachment to the inside surface of the wall of an aquarium at any height along the wall. The attachment means does not alter the ability of the wall to hold water in the aquarium while maintaining a secure attachment to the inner surface of the aquarium wall. The shelf may be provided with ornamentation, particularly a decorative texture on the outer edge and it may be provided with a supporting column.

Abstract: The present invention is a an aquarium air valve system and hanger unit for control of air entering an aquarium. The valve system has one or more valves thereon and is provided with a means for controlling the air flow from each valve. The valve system is mounted to the outer surface of the top wall of a hanger unit. The top wall is of adjustable size in order to allow secure fit over a variety of types of aquarium top frames. A valve system cover may also be provided in order to protect the valve system from accumulating metallics and debris.

Abstract: A habitat system for use in small animal enclosures providing desirable living space for underwater, amphibious and land dwelling animals. The habitat is formed from a wall type structure with one side which is essentially concave, thereby forming a gap space behind the wall. The habitat system is removeably attachable to the inner wall surface of the animal enclosure. Surface decoration may be provided on at least one wall of the habitat system, and various component parts may be intermeshed in a variety of ways in order to form multiple configurations.

Abstract: An assembly which is used with an undergravel aquarium filter in order to keep the passage between the bottom cavity under the filter and the uptake tube free from blockage due to gravel. The assembly is in the form of a collar which extends from the bottom plate of the undergravel filter at the point of insertion of the uptake tube. A ring, with a structure to prevent the passage of gravel through the central portion thereof is fitted within the collar. The ring may be removed from the collar to clear gravel out from the collar before insertion of the uptake tube.

Abstract: A maintenance system for aquariums which utilizes an electrically powered suction force and a lift tube made of flexible plastic tubing. The lift tube may be provided with one or more branch points to allow for simultaneous or independent powering of a variety of aquarium maintenance accessories. The branch points may be further provided with valves in order to allow for a wide range of control over the suction force provided to the individual branches of the lift tubing.

Abstract: A water filter for use inside of an aquarium which is characterized by the fact that filter cavity housing is removably attached to a sleeve unit which is in turn attached to the inside wall of the aquarium. When the filter material in the filter unit must be changed, the filter cavity housing may be removed from the sleeve unit which remains attached to the wall of the aquarium. The water current generating mechanism of the filter unit is also connected to the sleeve unit so that it does not have to be disconnected when the filter material is changed. The filter unit of the present invention is adapted for use with a cartridge type filter material in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A rock-like decorative assembly including a plurality of irregularly shaped shells each having side walls and a top wall, the outer surfaces of all said shells being mottled, at least one, integral first connector means formed on the inside of the top wall of each of said shells, one integral second connector means formed on the outside of the top wall of said shells, said first and second connector means being mateable to connect juxtaposed shells into a rock-like formation.