Abstract: An aquarium filter for removing chemical and physical waste from an aquarium. The filter can include a mechanical filter portion, followed by a fluidized bed of particles, such as sand, for removing ammonia from the water and then a chemical filter portion. The filter can be constructed in an aesthetically desirable manner and can be convenient to maintain.

Abstract: An aquarium filter is provided having a first annular chamber and an inlet or near the top of the chamber. The inlet is constructed and positioned to direct water into the chamber in a swirling direction, concentric with the annular wall. The first chamber also includes a first water outlet at the top of the chamber for filtered water to exit the chamber. The first chamber also includes a waste outlet at the bottom of the chamber. As water enters the first chamber from the inlet, it swirls in the chamber, creating a vortex. Particles within the water are forced against the annular wall, slide down the wall and migrate towards the waste outlet at the bottom of the chamber. A collector, such as a simple collection pot can be coupled to the waste outlet and particles separated from the water will collect in the pot. A selectively closeable cleaning outlet at or near the bottom of the collection pot can be used to empty the material collected there.

Abstract: An aquarium filter for removing chemical and physical waste from an aquarium. The filter includes a fluidized bed of particles, such as sand, for removing ammonia from the water. The filter can also include a physical trap for solid material and activated charcoal for removing organic material from the aquarium water. The filter can be constructed in an aesthetically desirable manner and can be convenient to maintain.

Abstract: A kit and method are provided for determining the suitability of the level of organic material in an aquarium. A test sample of water is removed from an aquarium into a test sample container. The pH of the test sample can be lowered and then a quantity of potassium permanganate is added and the test sample is permitted to sit. A control sample of distilled water mixed with an equal amount of potassium permanganate is also prepared in a second container. After a period of time passes, the color of the test sample is compared to the color of the control sample. If the test sample is significantly lighter, additional potassium permanganate is added to the test sample and this procedure is repeated until the test sample achieves the color of the control solution. The amount of potassium permanganate needed to turn the test sample to the color of the control sample is directly proportional to the amount of organic material in the tank.

Abstract: An aquarium filter for removing chemical and physical waste from an aquarium. The filter includes a fluidized bed of particles, such as sand, for removing ammonia from the water. The filter can also include a physical trap for solid material and activated charcoal for removing organic material from the aquarium water. The filter can be constructed in an aesthetically desirable manner and can be convenient to maintain.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for adjusting the pH of water in an aquarium. A measured sample of the aquarium's water is combined with a chemical indicator. The pH of the aquarium is then determined. If the pH is too low, drops of basic fluid having a known pH are added to the sample until the desired pH has been achieved. The number of drops of base added is then converted to an amount of a secondary base, based on the volume of water in the aquarium. This quantity of secondary base is then added to the aquarium and the pH is thereby adjusted to the desired level. Similarly, if the pH of the aquarium needs to be lowered, drops of acid are added to the sample and the number of drops of acid required to bring the sample to the correct pH is converted to a quantity of a secondary acid to be added to the aquarium to the lower the pH to the desired level.