Abstract: A method for decorating a housing using a decorative ornament assembly includes a base and plurality of decorative elements irremovably disposed therein. The width and depth of the base is less than or equal to the width and depth of inner surface dimension of the housing such that the bottom inner surface area of the housing is entirely covered by one or more bases. A decorative elements on the decorative ornament assembly is configured for use in easy removal of the assembly from the housing.

Abstract: A method for decorating a housing using a decorative ornament assembly includes a base and plurality of decorative elements irremovably disposed therein. The width and depth of the base is less than or equal to the width and depth of inner surface dimension of the housing such that the bottom inner surface area of the housing is entirely covered by one or more bases. A decorative elements on the decorative ornament assembly is configured for use in easy removal of the assembly from the housing.

Abstract: A system of decorating a housing that includes a base and a plurality of decorative elements. The decorative elements are irremovably disposed on or partially in the base. The width and depth of the base is less than or equal to the width and depth of the bottom inner surface dimensions of the housing such that the bottom inner surface area of the housing is entirely covered by one or more bases.

Abstract: An aquarium scenic backlighting device for aquariums includes a housing that has a front, a back, a bottom, a top, and opposing sides defining an internal space. The front is substantially transparent. A partition, which is complementary to the front and light defusing, is positioned in the internal space and coupled to the housing. The partition is positioned in parallel proximate to the front defining a slot. An opening to access the slot is positioned in the top. A power module and a bulb are positioned in the internal space and coupled to the housing. The bulb, which is operationally coupled to the power module, is positioned to illuminate a panel positioned in the slot. Each of a pair of brackets is coupled to the top proximate to a respective opposing side. The brackets are configured to reversibly couple the housing to a rear of an aquarium.

Abstract: The invention describes a tank comprising a water or solvent based solution, dispersion or emulsion. The tank comprises an electrical resistance heating element immersed in the solution, dispersion or emulsion. The electrical heating element is provided in the tank with an electrical current. The electrical resistance heating elements comprises a textile fabric and at least one electrical heating wire. The electrical heating wire is fixed onto the textile fabric and the electrical heating wire comprises metal filaments or metal fibers.

Abstract: An aquarium landscape system that includes an aquarium that contains a combination of one or more aquatic animals and water, a base gravel mold with a top surface with 4 corners and a plurality of eye hooks that each have a threaded vertical insert portion and a circular eye portion that expose the circular eye portion of the eye hooks above the top surface of the base gravel mold. The system also includes one or more air hose connector valves that perpendicularly protrude from the top surface of the base gravel mold, a plurality of air valves that perpendicularly protrude from the top surface of the base gravel mold, the air valves emit the incoming air received by the air supply source into the aquarium and a pair of removable handles to remove the system from the aquarium for cleaning.

Abstract: An aquarium landscape system that includes an aquarium that contains a combination of one or more aquatic animals and water, a base gravel mold with a top surface with 4 corners and a plurality of eye hooks that each have a threaded vertical insert portion and a circular eye portion that expose the circular eye portion of the eye hooks above the top surface of the base gravel mold. The system also includes one or more air hose connector valves that perpendicularly protrude from the top surface of the base gravel mold, a plurality of air valves that perpendicularly protrude from the top surface of the base gravel mold, the air valves emit the incoming air received by the air supply source into the aquarium and a pair of removable handles to remove the system from the aquarium for cleaning.

Abstract: A method of decorating an aquarium comprising the steps of: creating a décor assembly, where the décor assembly includes a background screen and said background screen includes a front side, a rear side with a magnetic lining on the rear side; submerging the décor assembly into the aquarium; and aligning a plurality of magnets along the magnetic lining, where the plurality of magnets are positioned on an outside surface of the aquarium. In one particular embodiment, the step of creating a décor assembly includes permanently attaching an environmental décor to the background screen, where the environmental décor includes at least one of a plant décor and a dwelling décor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel aquarium bottom surface substrate consisting of a biocompatible polymeric material with a granular aquarium substrate embedded into the polymer. In an embodiment of the invention there is also a means for attaching aquarium decorations to the aquarium bottom surface substrate to keep them firmly in position during use of the aquarium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel aquarium bottom surface substrate consisting of a biocompatible polymeric material with a granular aquarium substrate embedded into the polymer. In an embodiment of the invention there is also a means for attaching aquarium decorations to the aquarium bottom surface substrate to keep them firmly in position during use of the aquarium.

Abstract: An aquatic plant display system for use in an aquarium or water filled environment and including a rack or frame body with one or more aquatic plant retainers having flexible variable width gripping elements wherein aquatic plants may be selectively and releasably captured by the display rack with the gripping elements inhibiting the aquatic plants from floating away from the display rack when placed underwater.

Abstract: A two-way feeder for use in an aquarium. The feeder has a base that can be buried in sand or crushed coral in an aquarium. One or more fittings on the underside of the base provides a user of the feeder with the option of applying one or more suction cups to the feeder. The suction cups are used to attach the feeder in different surfaces of the aquarium, including the bottom surface and the side walls. The feeder can be used as to attach food in at least two ways. First, buoyant foods such as cucumber can be secured to the top of the device by screwing the cucumber over the head of the threaded receiver. Second, leafy foods such as lettuce or seaweed can be secured by a spring clip associated with an adapter that is compatible with and screwed onto the threaded receiver.

Abstract: A method of altering airflow of an aquarium air supply by placing a bottle over the air supply thus, altering the airflow. The method can be accomplished using a decorative attachment assembly that covers an air stone in an aquarium. The assembly includes a bottle having at least a first hole and a second hole, wherein the first hole is capable of accepting an aerating device, and the second hole is sized to allow air to flow from the aerating device into the aquarium.

Abstract: An underwater terrarium capable of being submerged in an aquarium. The interior of the terrarium is sealed, so it may be submerged in a tank. The terrarium has a pair of air tubes for air intake and exhaust. The intake can be connected to a standard aquarium aerator to allow air for creatures living inside the terrarium. Also included is inside the terrarium is a light controlled by an electrical cord that runs outside the tank. The electrical cord includes a dimmer switch to control the light.

Abstract: A terrarium adapted to be immersed in an aquarium containing water, the terrarium comprising a shaft means having a first end and second end and a receptacle defining at least one wall, the at least one wall having a length, presenting at least one opening, an air exhaust and an interior wherein the receptacle is connected to the shaft means at the first end wherein the shaft means at the second end is adapted to anchor the receptacle in the aquarium and wherein the interior of the receptacle is adapted to receive air from an air supply means so as to define a dry zone in the interior.

Abstract: A background setting for an aquarium having front and rear walls and opposite left and right side walls. The setting comprises a water-resistant background sheet bearing a background scenery for direct submersion in the water of the aquarium to cover the rear wall, and a fixture for fixing the background sheet inside the aquarium.

Abstract: A decorative background assembly for an aquarium, having a plurality of interchangeable illustrated display panels, for enhancing the appearance of the aquarium. The assembly has a waterproof housing which encloses a frame which selectively holds one of the display panels. The housing also encloses a fluorescent light fixture and an angled mirror in proximity to the light fixture. The housing has hooks for selective attachment of the decorative background assembly to the rear wall of the aquarium. The fluorescent light fixture and the mirror are mounted in proximity to the lower portion of the housing. In use, a user chooses one of the illustrated display panels for insertion into the frame. The user then selectively attaches the decorative background assembly to the rear wall of the aquarium by fitting the hooks over the rear wall of the aquarium. The fluorescent light is then illuminated, thereby illuminating the display panel with light reflected by the angled mirror.

Abstract: New and improved molded magnetic geometrical components are used as underwater ornamentation to form the scenery in aquariums and other aquatic displays. These modular imitation rocks and/or other shapes, when added to an aquarium will create a natural setting for the fish. These rocks, gravel, reefs, and other water icons are constructed, in various shapes, sizes, and colors, out of magnetizable materials, having north and south magnetic poles. To form the display, a two-dimensional background structure of the display is constructed from a ferromagnetic material. A first layer of the shaped molded magnetic components are then placed on the background structure, with the magnetic component's north and south poles properly aligning to firmly hold the components on the background structure. Then the various molded magnetic components are stacked on to the first layer of molded magnetic components to construct a three-dimensional scene.

Abstract: An aquarium photo display device and method for displaying one or more photographs in connection with an aquarium. The aquarium photo display device includes a static cling attachable sea-life decorated plastic background sheet having a transparent photo receiving pocket within which a photo is removably insertable. The photo display method includes the steps of a) providing an aquarium photo display device; b) inserting a photo into the transparent photo receiving pocket of the aquarium photo display device; and c) placing the static cling attachable sea-life decorated plastic background sheet against the back glass of the aquarium with the photo facing into the aquarium.

Abstract: A plant anchor for securing a plant that includes a base member, having a top and bottom, and at least one support portion located within the base member and each support portion includes at least one opening for frictionally securing a plant. Preferably, there is more than one leg that is attached to the bottom of the base member. The base member as well as the legs can be in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There can be more than one support portion located on each base member. The optimal opening is two transverse, v-shaped slits.

Abstract: A decorative attachment for an aquarium for creating natural looking scenic features for an aquarium. The decorative attachment for an aquarium includes a wall assembly including a wall structure having a front wall and a back wall being spaced from the front wall, and also having an overhang portion being securely disposed at a top of the front and back walls and extending rearwardly thereof and being adapted to mount upon a back wall of an aquarium; and also includes a plurality of scenery attachment support members being securely attached to the wall structure; and further includes a plurality of scenery attachments being removably mounted to the wall structure.

Abstract: A decorative attachment for an aquarium for creating natural looking scenic features for an aquarium. The decorative attachment for an aquarium includes a wall assembly including a wall structure having a front wall and a back wall being spaced from the front wall, and also having an overhang portion being securely disposed at a top of the front and back walls and extending rearwardly thereof and being adapted to mount upon a back wall of an aquarium; and also includes a plurality of scenery attachment support members being securely attached to the wall structure; and further includes a plurality of scenery attachments being removably mounted to the wall structure.

Abstract: A portable apparatus is adapted to provide an underwater living environment for air breathing creatures in, for example, an aquarium. The apparatus includes a housing with a sealed upper portion and an open lower portion to allow the creatures to enter into and exit from inside the housing. During normal use, air pumped into the housing exits past a control surface formed in the lower portion of the housing to establish an air-filled chamber in the housing. A weighted base releasably connected to the housing counteracts the buoyancy forces on the air-filled housing to maintain the housing in a submerged position at the bottom of the aquarium. A dry crawling surface is provided for the creatures inside the air-filled chamber by positioning relatively large rocks or driftwood between the base and the housing, such objects being sized to extend into the air-filled chamber. The apparatus also includes provision for adjusting the height of the water level within the air-filled chamber.

Abstract: A neutrally buoyant synthetic aquatic structure may be used to treat a body of water by removing nutrients and other materials from the water. According to another aspect of the invention, the synthetic structure may be used to promote and/or control the growth of aquatic species in a body of water. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a denser-than-water ballast portion is suspended from buoyant material to stabilize and orient the synthetic structure. A high surface area structure for promoting biological growth may be provided. The ballast portion does not sink to the bottom of the body of water. Consequently, the high surface area structure may be maintained in the photic zone.

Abstract: An aquarium accessory device which when installed within an aquarium substantially functions as an aesthetically pleasing blind for concealment of unsightly algae covered items. Such items may include typical water filters, heaters, etc.

Abstract: A combination aquarium and furniture system constructed to accommodate small animals in a human-like setting and for enhancing the aesthetic nature of various living environments, which includes both saltwater and freshwater. To complement the system, a backdrop including a panoramic scene is optionally secured onto an aquarium. The furniture and related items provide an environment which includes a resting place, drinking source, illumination and/or heat source, and an oxygen generating device.

Abstract: A decorative submersible sculpture is described in which a submersible hollow body is formed with a peripheral wall structure. The wall structure defines an internal receptacle of a prescribed decorative shape that is configured to be filled by a visually opaque particulate medium and formed by the internal receptacle into the prescribed decorative shape. At least part of the wall structure is transparent and configured in such a manner that when the receptacle is filled with visually opaque particulate medium, the medium takes the form of the prescribed decorative shape and is visible through the transparent part or parts of the wall structure. The decorative shape will visually appear to be in a solid, self-supporting state, and the transparent parts of the wall structure will be substantially invisible.

Abstract: A holder (4) for retaining an aerator conduit (5) for placement on the bottom (6) of an aquarium tank (1). The holder has a trough with at least one side wall (11a,b) and a retaining means, such as channel (12), in the trough. The holder may be supported in an upright position on the bottom of the aquarium tank by sand and gravel pressing against the outside surface of its side walls. Side walls further keep sand and gravel from covering the aerator conduit. A stabilizer base (14) may be provided on the bottom of the holder. The aerator holder provides for more evenly distributed air bubbles (2) in the aquarium and thus better oxygenation of the water for the fish contained therein. Preferably the holder is made of clear plastic so that it is virtually invisible to an observer, thereby providing an overall more aesthetic appearance for the aquarium.

Abstract: A synthetic structure is used to simultaneously provide food, shelter and reproductive support for many aquatic species. Synthetic seagrass may be produced in the form of flexible mats with a plurality of ribbons. The lower ends of the ribbons are anchored to the benthos. The other ends of the ribbons are buoyantly supported in the photic zone. The ribbons may be economically produced in plural coextensive layers, with one layer providing buoyancy and the other layer being structured to enhance biological growth. The system may be tailored for use in desired applications by selecting the surface area structure, ribbon spacing and density, and other parameters. The system may be used to remove nutrients and/or toxic materials from water. The invention may be used to simultaneously promote aerobic and anaerobic reactions to control water quality. The invention also relates to artificial plants, including seagrass mats, for aquariums. The artificial plants may be flexible and buoyant.

Abstract: A water tank provides an activity space for an underwater wireless remote-controlled toy. A wireless transmitter is positioned within the water tank and emits wireless remote-control signals to the toy, whereby underwater movement of the toy is controlled. The wireless transmitter may transmit either electromagnetic or infrared control signals to the toy.

Abstract: A fish and marine mammal aquatic observatory. The observatory comprises an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall that define an enclosed annular volume. The inner cylindrical wall is formed of a transparent material, e.g., glass or reinforced plastic. The enclosed annular volume is partially filled with a body of sea water that includes fish and marine mammal animals and other aquatic plants. The observatory further includes a carousel or platform supported on a tower located along a longitudinal axis of the observatory. An outer diameter of the carousel substantially abuts the inner cylindrical wall of the observatory. The carousel is accessible to participants when located at a first or upper position above the enclosed annular volume of water. A lift mechanism moves the carousel from the first, upper position to a second, lower position within the enclosed annular volume of water.

Abstract: The fish feeding game of the present invention includes a floating game device which defines the boundaries of the game and a floating fish feeding device. Movement of the floating fish feeding device within the boundaries of the game defines play of the game. The game could be a field type game like soccer or a game of chance like roulette. The fish feeding device of the present invention is for use in association with a plurality of resilient fish-food pieces. The fish-food pieces may be fish-food pellets, fish-food morsels or a combination thereof. The fish feeding device includes a floating portion having an outer surface, a central hollow portion and an aperture formed in the floating portion between the hollow portion and the outer surface. The hollow portion is for receiving the plurality of fish-food pieces. The aperture is dimensioned such that one of the plurality of resilient fish-food pieces will obstruct the aperture.

Abstract: A decorative submersible sculpture is described in which a submersible hollow body is formed with a peripheral wall structure. The wall structure defines an internal receptacle of a prescribed decorative shape that is configured to be substantially filled by a visually opaque particulate medium and formed by the internal receptacle into the prescribed decorative shape. The wall structure is transparent and configured in such a manner that when the receptacle is substantially filled with visually opaque particulate medium, the medium takes the form of the prescribed decorative shape and is visible through the wall structure. The decorative shape will visually appear to be in a solid, self-supporting state, and the wall structure will be substantially invisible.

Abstract: An aquarium fountain for the improved circulation in a cascading manner of a fixed quantity of particulate matter such as sand. The fountain includes a housing having a receptacle for containing and receiving the fixed quantity of sand. The housing includes an air lift tube having an inlet end in communication with the particulate matter to be circulated and an outlet end out of which the particulate matter is expelled. The outlet end of the air lift tube extends into an upper chamber of the housing. The upper chamber is configured to have an air pocket located between the outlet end and an air escape opening located in a wall of the housing.

Abstract: Novel structures and methods are disclosed for creating and maintaining an underwater air chamber beneath a volume of water within a conventional aquarium for access by amphibious life within the aquarium to permit the amphibious life to selectively leave a water environment for a dry environment. In one embodiment, the underwater air chamber includes a hood secured to a base which defines a hollow chamber. After the apparatus is submerged in an aquarium, pressurized gas is introduced into the hollow chamber to create a dry environment within the hollow chamber. A gas effluent control is associated with the hood to selectively release the gas under pressure from within the chamber. An entryway into the chamber is also formed in the hood to permit amphibious life to selectively enter and exit the chamber, as well as to permit larger air bubbles to escape from within the air chamber. Another embodiment discloses an underwater air chamber formed integrally with an aquarium.

Abstract: Novel structures and methods are disclosed for creating and maintaining an underwater air chamber beneath a volume of water within a conventional aquarium for access by amphibious life within the aquarium to permit the amphibious life to selectively leave a water environment for a dry environment. In one embodiment, the underwater air chamber includes a hood secured to a base which defines a hollow chamber. After the apparatus is submerged in an aquarium, pressurized gas is introduced into the hollow chamber to create a dry environment within the hollow chamber. A gas effluent control is associated with the hood to selectively release the gas under pressure from within the chamber. An entryway into the chamber is also formed in the hood to permit amphibious life to selectively enter and exit the chamber, as well as to permit larger air bubbles to escape from within the air chamber. Another embodiment discloses an underwater air chamber formed integrally with an aquarium.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for attaching an object (O) to a sidewall (S) of an aquarium (A). A magnet (18) is attached to an object to be placed inside the aquarium. A niche or pocket (14) is formed in the side (16) of the object which will abut the inside wall of the aquarium. The niche or pocket is sufficiently large to accommodate the magnet which is affixed in place by any suitable means. A second magnet (24) is positioned on the outside of the wall adjacent the object. The magnetic attraction between the two magnets serves to hold the object in place, even if the object is positioned below the waterline (L) in the aquarium.

Abstract: An article anchoring accessory includes a support element for reception within an enclosure, such as for example an aquarium, serving as an anchoring structure to which objects can be secured. The support element will conveniently be of relatively widened expanse presenting an upper surface area, and will advantageously be of flattened shape, at least over portions thereof. The support element may optionally be of a configuration presenting a series of flattened regions arranged in stepped fashion, the upper surfaces of which are each in spaced-apart relation with the enclosure bottom by varying degrees, for inclusion below a sloped gravel bed. Means are provided for fastening the article to the support element at a selected position along its expanse, conveniently, by use of coupling members designed to grasp the article, and also for firmly engaging the support element.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a pet animal structure for insertion into a transparent tank. The structure is in a single piece with upper and lower body parts. The lower body part has floors for movement of the animal and the upper body part has a shoulder which overhangs the lower body part. The upper body part when the structure is inserted an appropriate size tank, closes and extends into the top opening to the tank with the shoulder below the top opening so as to protect top regions of walls of the tank. Preferably, the upper body part has a downward facing support surface for supporting the structure upon a top edge of the tank so that the bottom of the structure is spaced from the bottom of the tank. Also advantageously, the floors are positioned to prevent the animal from gnawing at the shoulder while providing freedom for the animal to move between the structure and the tank when standing upon the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A floating island for an aquarium according to the invention includes a board-shaped floating island body, a supporting rod and a fixing device. One or a plurality of the supporting rod are slidably inserted in the floating island body in the direction of the thickness of the floating island body. The supporting rod is fixed in un upright state in an aquarium by a fixing device. The floating island body can stably stay on the water by the supporting rods, and can also automatically move up and down in accordance with the change of the water level.

Abstract: A planter for retaining gravel and landscaping effects in underwater settings such as an aquarium is disclosed. The invention comprises a plurality of retaining walls disposed in an upstanding spaced apart relationship for forming a plurality of landscaping sections with each section having a different height from every other section for defining a terrace relationship with the adjacent retaining walls. A plurality of elongated spacers are disposed in paired releasable communication with the retaining walls for maintaining the spaced apart relationship between the adjacent retaining walls. Each retaining wall further has a plurality of apertures adapted for urging water flow from one landscaping section to the next lowermost adjacent landscaping section, and a second plurality of apertures adapted for urging cooperative engagement between adjacent elongated spacers.

Abstract: An aquarium action display having a decorative display structure submerged beneath the surface of an aquarium and seated on the aquarium floor. The display structure incorporates a catch basin for collecting granular display media and funneling the media to a tube having a notch interfaced with the catch basin. An aquarium pump produces a flow of water through the tube whereby the granular display media is mixed with the water flowing through the tube and discharged at an outlet and collected by the catch basin thereby creating an underwater display.

Abstract: An accessory for firmly anchoring plants and the like at the bottom of an aquarium. A generally planar member is sized to fit within the aquarium, and rests in close proximity and parallel with the bottom of the aquarium. A means for removably fastening articles to the planar member is provided, enabling the positioning and attachment of articles, such as live and artificial plants, anywhere along the surface of the planar member. In a preferred embodiment, the planar member comprises a grid having rectangular openings adapted to receive coupling members which fasten to the grid, and also firmly grip the article to be anchored. As part of an under-gravel filtration system, a slotted planar member adapted to receive similar coupling members enables articles to be firmly anchored while at the same time providing filtration of the water within the aquarium.

Abstract: A device for supporting a frog in a swimming pool to keep the frog from being lodged in the pool skimmer includes a pad with a convex top surface that extends slightly below the water line so that a frog may climb on the pad. The material is textured so frog cannot easily slip off. The device is dark colored so the frog can see it in the water. The device is supported and attached to a ladder of a swimming pool with a snap on C-shaped clamp dimensioned and arranged to support the device at the water line.

Abstract: An ornamental assembly for use in a non-aquatic viewing cage of the like is disclosed. The ornamental assembly includes a body member formed from a natural indiscriminate piece of driftwood and a fastening assembly for semi-permanently fixably securing the body member to any surface of the viewing cage.

Abstract: An aquarium accessory includes a clear dome which is set in place on the habitat floor. The dome has a side opening and at least one top orifice. Air from an aeration system bubbles into the dome through a floor opening, thus creating a dry zone in the dome. Amphibious animals can enter the dry zone and satisfy their need to leave the water periodically, while being confined within the aquarium and remaining fully visible to observers. Air escapes through the top orifice, enabling constant air exchange within the dome. Dry zone volume is varied by adjusting air flow from the aeration system. The dome includes an outwardly projecting flange which enables aquarium gravel to anchor the dome within the aquarium. The flange includes perforations sustaining water circulation, as for filtration, within the aquarium.

Abstract: An ornamental assembly for use in fluid filled viewing tanks such as aquariums or the like which enhances the aesthetic nature of the tank. The ornamental assembly has a decorative body and a suction cup means for semi-permanently securing the decorative ornament to an inner surface of the viewing tank.

Abstract: An article anchoring accessory includes a support element for reception within an enclosure, such as for example an aquarium serving as an anchoring structure to which objects can be secured. The support element will conveniently be of relatively widened expanse presenting an upper surface area, and will be advantageously be of flattened shape, at least over portions thereof. The support element may optionally be of a configuration presenting a series of flattened regions arranged in stepped fashion, the upper surfaces of which are each in spaced-apart relation with the enclosure bottom by varying degrees, for inclusion below a sloped gravel bed. Means are provided for fastening the article to the support element at a selected position along its expanse, conveniently, by use of coupling members designed to grasp the article, and also for firmly engaging the support element.