Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing foreign matter from water at selected levels in an aquarium utilize a valving mechanism placed between a skimmer adjacent the upper surface of the water and a lower inlet adjacent the lower bottom of the aquarium, the valving mechanism being operated selectively to control the relative volume of the flow of water through the skimmer and through the lower inlet, and a corresponding continuous withdrawal of water, together with entrained foreign matter, passed through either one or both the skimmer and the lower inlet so as to remove foreign matter from selected levels in the aquarium.

Abstract: A filter unit for filtering aquarium water includes a packet having porous filter walls configured for mechanical filtration of aquarium water, a filter medium within the packet, between the filter walls, configured for chemical filtration of the aquarium water, and a block of reticular material juxtaposed with the packet, the block of reticular material being configured for biological filtration of the aquarium water. The packet and the block are secured within a frame to establish an integrated unit for placement within an aquarium water filtration system in which aquarium water is passed through the packet and the block, and the frame is selectively removed from the filtration system and opened for selective removal and replacement of the packet and the block independent of one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying humidified air to a terrarium include providing a chamber within which there is placed a reservoir of water and a humidifying member having a humidifying surface located adjacent the surface of the water in the reservoir so that air released below the surface of the water in the reservoir rises through the reservoir of water to burst from the surface of the water and thereby drive water droplets to the humidifying surface of the so as to wet the humidifying surface and expose air in the chamber to the wetted humidifying surface. The air thus exposed is humidified by exposure to the wetted humidifying surface, and the humidified air is delivered to the terrarium. The humidifying surface includes a reticulated configuration providing the humidifying surface with an extended surface area for enhanced humidification.

Abstract: An artificial aquatic plant is displayed in a desired array juxtaposed with the inside surface of a wall of an aquarium by attaching one end of the plant to a retainer secured to a frame at the top of the aquarium and extending longitudinally along the wall, and by attaching the other end of the plant to an anchor buried in a bed of sand or gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. The artificial aquatic plant is constructed of synthetic resin materials and at least some components of the plant are fabricated of a synthetic resin material having insufficient buoyancy to support the plant in the desired array within the water contained in the aquarium. Support of the plant in the displayed array is accomplished by the attachment of the ends of the plant to the retainer and to the anchor.

Abstract: Aquarium filtration apparatus having a generally trough-shaped filter housing, the rear wall having a bracket portion for hanging on an aquarium, an impeller assembly having a drive magnet being positioned within the bottom of the filter housing with a motor assembly coupled to the undersurface of the bottom with a power driven magnet on the motor assembly in spaced proximate relation to effect magnetic coupling with the magnet of the impeller assembly. An intake assembly is provided in fluid communication with the impeller assembly and with the aquarium water for drawing water from the aquarium into the filter housing. In a first embodiment, the intake assembly is an intake tube having a portion within the filter housing. In a second embodiment, the intake assembly includes a filter chamber within the filter housing in fluid communication with the impeller assembly with an intake tube coupled to the filter chamber for drawing water from the aquarium into the chamber.