Abstract: A multifunctional filtering device for an aquarium mainly includes a filter box for being suspended at an aquarium. The filter box includes a pump motor for producing mixture of water and air and a vortex flow generator disposed at the center of the inner side of the bottom thereof and in communication with a water outlet disposed at the pump motor. A bubble collector is disposed at the top of the vortex flow generator. The filter box may be suspended inside or outside the aquarium. The filter box includes a water input pipe unit and a water output pipe unit which may be differently configured in accordance with the suspension position of the filter box. The water output pipe unit may be further disposed with a heating rod or ultraviolet sterilization lamp for heating or sterilizing breeding water in the aquarium.

Abstract: An internal marine aquarium filter that provides within a single enclosure protein skimming, biological, mechanical and chemical filtration where the unit creates direct adjustable current for the aquarium independent of the activities of filtration and uses one interchangeable pump which can be of different size and manufacture. The unit is comprised of an outer casing with dedicated areas for biological, mechanical and chemical filtration, a removable protein skimmer with collection cup and lid, a removable plumbing assembly connected to a submersible pump, which performs filtration, protein skimming and creates a direct adjustable water current inside the aquarium independent of all other functions, and has sponge filters that provide a place for biological activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.

Abstract: The present invention includes a horizontal foam fractionation protein skimmer for removing organic waste material (dissolved organic compounds) from organic loaded water. The protein skimmer includes a horizontal reaction chamber connected to a foam collection chamber in which protein-loaded foam containing organic waste material is collected. The reaction chamber is comprised of a series of horizontally-directed, nested, concentric tubes for increasing the number and decreasing the size of bubbles to facilitate efficient removal of dissolved organic compounds. Each horizontal tube has either one or several small openings that are offset from the openings on the adjacent tube at a small angle, typically 10°. The openings are formed by either a single slit that runs along the length of each tube, or by a series of holes that runs along the length of each tube. Organic-loaded water is pumped through tubing into the reaction chamber. As water moves through the tubing, gas (e.g.

Abstract: The aquarium protein skimmer utilizes a re-circulating water pump to create a re-circulating flow of water within the skimmer's reaction chamber. The re-circulating water flow retains air bubbles within the reaction chamber for a longer period of time, increasing the capacity of the air bubbles to attract waste material and remove the waste material from the aquarium. Additionally, the re-circulating water flow causes air bubbles to break down into a greater number of smaller sized bubbles, further increasing the skimmer's efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, the aquarium protein skimmer utilizes a single water pump both to create a re-circulating flow of air-bubble laden water within the reaction chamber and to circulate aquarium water through the protein skimmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.

Abstract: A waterfall aquarium cleansing system provides a tank that includes a base, a pair of first sides, a pair of second sides, the first and second sides having a height all defining a main chamber. A filter is provided that is in fluid communication with the base and is disposed relative thereto to define a retention area. The base defines at least one aperture that is in communication with the retention area. The retention area is configured for agitation-free collection of sediment from the main chamber for subsequent removal through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A fish tank cleaning device comprising an elongated telescoping housing and telescoping handle having an electric motor and batteries in a waterproof housing to drive a rotatable disk and releasable cleaning member thereon positioned outside of the housing to rotate in a plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing and handle. The telescoping handle may be extended far enough for the lower end of the housing having the rotatable disk and cleaning member to reach the bottom of the fish tank while the upper end of the handle is above the upper edge of the fish tank where it can be held by the user above the water in the tank and manipulated by the user to position the rotating cleaning member against the surfaces of the fish tank to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus enabling water-conditioning processes to be performed using a heater initially equipped with an aquarium tank for the purpose of supplying heat. Instead of allowing heat to propagate globally, reactor housing is introduced in the tank enclosing the heater so as to form a localized hot zone. The temperatures of the hot zone are maintained at high degrees sufficient to initiate various water-conditioning processes with efficiency, including alga control, ammonia control, water-hardness control, and sterilization. The construction of the reactor housing is simple and inexpensive, and its geometry is compatible to a heater which can be purchased commercially. In short, multiple functions are added to a heater installed in an aquarium, performing water-conditioning processes in addition to the basic task of supplying heat, allowing water quality of the aquarium to be improved and maintained.

Abstract: The aquarium backup system operates upon failure of the pump that provides aeration and/or water circulation to aquariums. The backup system includes a sensor for determining when the flow of water to the aquarium is interrupted due to a power outage or pump failure. The sensor then closes a switch in electrical circuit between a backup battery and a backup pump, which re-establishes the aeration and/or water circulation to the aquarium.

Abstract: A cleaner for the inside of a water tank is designed to draw up water stored within the water tank for aquarium fishes such as goldfishes, tropical fishes and the like to discharge the water to the outside. In this cleaner, a draw-up pipe is comprised of a body portion, and a grip portion connected at an angle of 90° or more to the body portion. A first one-way valve and a second one-way valve are mounted within the draw-up pipe. Thus, the cleaner has a good manipulatability, so that air stored in the cleaner can be reliably discharged, and the discharging of water can be carried out reliably.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning liquid-filled tanks, e.g., aquariums, includes an inner cleaning assembly which moves across the interior wall of the tank and an outer cleaning assembly which moves across the exterior wall of the tank. The inner and outer cleaning assembly are magnetically attracted to each other so that manipulation of the outer cleaning assembly results in corresponding motion of the inner cleaning assembly. The inner cleaning assembly bears a cleaning pad which moves across the tank wall to clean matter therefrom. The inner cleaning assembly is buoyant so that interruption of the magnetic engagement between the inner and outer cleaning assemblies results in the inner cleaning assembly floating to the top of the liquid-filled tank for easier retrieval.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for removal of protein contaminates from protein contaminated water. An injector is used for spraying protein contaminated water into a water bubble chamber. The spraying motion causes bubble generation in the water bubble chamber. Contaminates in the water attach themselves to the bubbles and rise to the surface of the water as foam. A hollow foam riser is attached to the top of the water bubble chamber and provides an exit pathway for the contaminated foam. As foam is generated, it rises through the foam riser and carries with it contaminates. A foam collection cup is attached to the top of the foam riser and collects the contaminated foam. Consequently, the water left behind in the mixing chamber is substantially more pure. The substantially more pure water exits the mixing chamber through a purified water exit aperture.

Abstract: A cleaner for the inside of a water tank is designed to draw up water stored within the water tank for aquarium fishes such as goldfishes, tropical fishes and the like to discharge the water to the outside. In this cleaner, a draw-up pipe is comprised of a body portion, and a grip portion connected at an angle of 90° or more to the body portion. A first one-way valve and a second one-way valve are mounted within the draw-up pipe. Thus, the cleaner has a good manipulatability, so that air stored in the cleaner can be reliably discharged, and the discharging of water can be carried out reliably.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning the interior window surface of an aquarium comprises a buoyant floatable interior element and an exterior element. At least one element has at least one magnet and the other element has a material attracted to the at least one magnet so the elements attract each other under the influence of a magnetic force between the elements. Such material may be a magnet or magnetically attractive metal. Movement of the exterior element along the exterior window surface of the aquarium causes the buoyant floating interior element to move along the interior window surface of the aquarium thereby cleaning the interior window surface. Once the magnetic force between the elements has been removed, the buoyant floatable interior element floats to and on the surface of the liquid medium present in the aquarium.

Abstract: A housing system for aquatic animals has a shelf-like rack holding tiers of individual tanks or aquariums (aquaria), each removably suspended from structural members that engage flanges of the tanks. The tanks are tilted inwardly of the rack and have covers with fittings on the higher or outer side, that intercept flow between a supply and a drain to inlet water when the tank is in the rack and to recycle the water at any tank position that is unoccupied. The inside bottom of each tank is contoured, for example with a longitudinal trough, so sediment collects at a low spot on the lower or inner side, where a drain inlet is placed to provide a drainage outlet that opens at a velocity increasing restriction at which sediment is entrained. The drain has a spring biased valve that opens the drain only when the tank is fully inserted in the rack.

Abstract: A foam fractionation protein skimmer for removing organic waste material from organic loaded water, the protein skimmer including an upright reaction chamber with an uppermost throat in flow communication with a foam collection cup for collecting a protein loaded foam containing the organic waste material.

Abstract: A rotating brush assembly for cleaning shellfish predator screens is provided.

Abstract: An aquatic housing system that has a frame that defines two or more housing levels. Each housing level has a plurality of tanks for housing aquatic animals. Each tank has a front mounted plumbing assembly that allows both water overflow and drainage to be conveyed away from the tank. A valve located in the drainage connection allows the tanks to be flushed or converted from a deep water animal to a shallow water animal without removing the tank from the frame.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for removal of protein contaminates from protein contaminated water. An injector is used for spraying protein contaminated water into a water bubble chamber. The spraying motion causes bubble generation in the water bubble chamber. Contaminates in the water attach themselves to the bubbles and rise to the surface of the water as foam. A hollow foam riser is attached to the top of the water bubble chamber and provides an exit pathway for the contaminated foam. As foam is generated, it rises through the foam riser and carries with it contaminates. A foam collection cup is attached to the top of the foam riser and collects the contaminated foam. Consequently, the water left behind in the mixing chamber is substantially more pure. The substantially more pure water exits the mixing chamber through a purified water exit aperture.

Abstract: A process for using a magnetic aquarium tank wall cleaning tool for cleaning the inner surface of an aquarium having one or more curved interior vertical corners. Magnetic cleaners for aquariums eliminate the need for reaching into the tank or manipulating a cleaner with a long handle. The magnetic tank wall cleaning tool has at least one edge which is curved. The radius of curvature is no more than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the tank to be cleaned. The cleaner can be manipulated from one flat surface around a curved interior corner by moving the handle horizontally around the corner.

Abstract: A fluid surge assembly for treating aquarium water and other fluids includes a treatment unit for receiving fluid, treating the fluid and depositing the fluid along a flow path to a body of fluid and a weir assembly disposed in the flow path between the treatment unit and the body of fluid. The weir assembly includes a lower weir blocking a portion of the flow path and an upper weir. The lower edge of the upper weir is offset from the crest of the lower weir to define a first fountain path. The crest of the upper weir defines a portion of a second fountain path. The second fountain path intersects the first fountain path to increase the velocity and distance traveled of the fluid. The invention also includes aquarium systems employing the fluid surge assembly. In some embodiments, the aquarium systems provide an opaque decorative member to block the treatment unit from view. In some embodiments, the decorative member is live rock.

Abstract: A protein skimmer for removal of protein contaminates from protein contaminated water. An injector is used for spraying protein contaminated water into a mixing chamber having a water bubble chamber. The spraying motion causes bubble generation in the water bubble chamber. Contaminates in the water attach themselves to the bubbles and rise to the surface of the water as foam. A hollow foam riser is attached to the top of the mixing chamber and provides an exit pathway for the contaminated foam. As foam is generated, it rises through the foam riser and carries with it contaminates. A foam collection cup is attached to the top of the foam riser and collects the contaminated foam. Consequently, the water left behind in the mixing chamber is substantially more pure. The substantially more pure water exits the mixing chamber through a purified water exit aperture.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilizer assembly for use in fish tanks having a vertically oriented tubular housing that forms a sterilizer chamber therein. A top cap and a bottom cap close the respective open ends of the tubular housing. A vertically oriented elongated ultraviolet lamp is positioned in the sterilizer chamber of the tubular housing. A pair of inner tubular members extend substantially the length of the tubular housing and they are mounted in close proximity to the ultraviolet lamp. The bottom ends of the inner tubular members are joined by a tubular connector. The top cap has manifold housing portion having an inlet passageway connected to the top end of one of the inner tubular members and an outlet passageway connected to the top end of the other tubular member.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and removing debris from aquariums includes a tubular housing defining a chamber, a rotating shaft extending through the chamber and protected from an end thereof, an agitating brush mounted on the end of the shaft. A power source, such as a portable electric screw driver, is connected to the other end of the shaft for rotating the agitator to dislodge debris from the aquarium. A siphon tube is communicated with the chamber and draws water, with the debris enframed therein, into the chamber and then to a siphon tube for filtering and disposal.

Abstract: The present relates to an aquarium drainage assembly comprising a pipe member having an inner nipple adapted to be mounted within a designated opening formed in a wall of the aquarium and an outer nipple extending outside the aquarium. The inner nipple is permanently mounted within the aquarium by a locking nut mounted on the pipe member, the locking nut being adapted to tightly clamp the assembly to the wall. A sealing element is located on the pipe member and placed around the opening adjacent to an inner and an outer surface of the wall; it permits a watertight sealing of the assembly within the opening. A valve element mounted within the outer nipple allows to regulate water circulation through the assembly. The locking nut includes a thread which is tightened around the inner nipple via a corresponding thread formed around an outer surface of the inner nipple and a stopper located on the outer nipple.

Abstract: A process for preparing the interior surfaces of aquariums with debris-repellant properties, comprising the irradiation of a surface by far infrared light, thereby inducing an electron deficiency upon the surface. Dirt particles are repelled by the positively charged surface, since most dust particles have positively charged centers. The negatively charged periphery of said dust particles adhere to the positively charged surface, but the attractive forces between the surface and the dirt particles are too weak to overcome gravitational forces which cause the particles to fall off or float away from the surface. In addition, the electron deficiency on the inner surface of the aquarium drives a surface reaction which produces oxygen. This evolving of gas from the inner surface further repels the adherence of debris particles and provides a healthy atmosphere for fish dwelling in the aquarium.

Abstract: A gravity vacuum system for a fish tank which will fit onto any standard fish tank and will get rid of waste through a gravitational system. The top of the system is a false bottom for the upper portion of the fish tank. The false bottom features openings small enough to allow the waste to pass. A solid pyramid directly in the middle of the lower one third supports the false bottom. At the right and left foot of the pyramid are drainage valve areas enclosed in boxes. When the drainage valves are opened, the waste flows through the false bottom and into the triangular areas and left of the pyramid. The waste then flows down through the triangular spaces and into the drainage valve areas. The owner then hooks connective tubing to the drainage valves for easy drainage.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for cleaning an aquarium viewing surface involving a sweeping mechanism that includes a cleaning surface (such as a cleaning belt) and a drive mechanism that causes the sweeping mechanism to traverse the viewing surface on a regular basis to bring the cleaning surface in contact with the viewing surface to clean the viewing surface of, for example, unwanted algae.

Abstract: An improved pollutant tray structure for an aquarium, which comprises a pollutant tray and a filter cover; the pollutant tray includes a given number of such trays connected together in series; the pollutant tray and the water passage are molded integrally into one piece; the water passage is mounted with a water pipe connector having a built-in removable lamina; a water pipe is used for connecting to a water pump. Both sides of the water passage are furnished with a plurality of water channels respectively; each water channel includes three sloping surfaces to be concentrated to a water-intake hole in communication with the water passage; when the water pump sucks water from the water passage, such suction force will be distributed to the various water-intake holes to suck the decomposed waste substance fallen in a space between the water passage and the water channels.

Abstract: An automatic water changing and water leveling system and apparatus is provided for use with an aquarium containing a body of water. The system comprising a water reservoir structure including a housing defining a chamber therewithin for containing fresh water. The water reservoir structure being disposed at a height above the aquarium and in approximate adjacency with an upper surface level of the aquarium water. A discharge assembly mounted to a bottom portion of the water reservoir structure is provided for discharging fresh water from the water reservoir structure into the aquarium when the upper surface level of the aquarium water falls below a predetermined level causing air to be communicated through the discharge assembly and into the chamber of the water reservoir structure allowing fresh water to be discharged. A siphoning system withdraws water from the aquarium by siphoning action thereby controlling the discharging of water from the discharge assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in draining, cleaning and refilling an aquarium tank including an elongated flexible hose having first and second opposite ends, a tube including an upper distal end for connection to the first end of the flexible hose, and a lower distal end adapted to be immersed in the aquarium tank such that the lower end may be placed near the bottom of the aquarium tank, a first device attachable to the second end of the flexible hose and for connection to a flowing water source for creating a flow of water from the tank through the tube and the flexible hose, and a grille, defined by a chamber and including a plurality of apertures formed in the walls thereof that are narrower than the width of the gravel particles, the grille and chamber attached to the lower distal end of the tube for contact with the gravel for moving the gravel about the floor of the tank such that the gravel particles are forced by the movement to bump and rub against each other outside the tube to dislodge the sediment and impur

Abstract: A device for cleaning gravel and breaking up clusters of gravel in a fish pond comprises an integral body having a lower housing into which gravel is received and an upper housing which has an outlet for connection to a pump for drawing water and gravel into the integral body. The upper housing has a greater cross-sectional area than the lower housing so that the lower housing limits the size of gravel clusters entering the integral body from the pond bottom. A manifold encircles the lower housing of the integral body and has aligned perforations therein with the lower housing so that water introduced into the manifold radially and inwardly projects into the lower housing for breaking up the gravel clusters.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning aquarium has a top aquatic section (1) with vertical walls (2) and a bottom waste section (3) having tapered walls (4) which funnel to a valved flushing orifice (5). A grate-supported screen (8, 9) separates the top aquatic section from the bottom waste section. The valved flushing orifice and a discharge conveyance (11) are large enough to permit effectively fast flushing of the grate-supported screen and the tapered walls of the bottom waste section. Positioning of the valved flushing orifice can be designed for various sizes and uses of the aquariums. Air for aeration and circulation of water in the aquarium is supplied centrally or optionally through an aeration pipe (17) extended near end-to-end and having a plurality of aeration orifices (20). A water tap or a pail with suitable water can be used to refill the top aquatic section after flushing.

Abstract: A foam fractionator which can create a vortex is utilized to remove proteins from an aquatic environment by skimming. The vortex is created by a propeller arrangement located at the bottom of an internal chamber, centrally located within a main reaction chamber. Air sucked from the atmosphere by the vortex passes down through a central chamber and is dispensed outwardly into the main chamber where air bubbles form and rise to the surface. The air bubbles attract protein deposits which stick thereto which results in the formation of a protein-containing surface foam that is collected within a collection cup.

Abstract: A filter system is used in water treatment for removing organic waste from fresh or salt water found in aquariums and culture systems and to facilitate gas exchange between water and atmosphere. The filter includes an air and organic waste laden water mixer, a water-air laden waste separator and an organic waste remover. The mixer is a long tube which has at its top, an inlet pipe that delivers organic waste laden water at high pressure into the tube, and surrounding apertures through which air is drawn. This tube is filled with water-air mixing media such as bioballs and has an outlet opening in the base of the tube which feeds water and waste laden air bubbles into a separator box. The separator box includes a deflector over which the water-air laden organic mix travels. The rising air will pull the organic waste attached to it upward into a foam collector for waste removal. The cleansed or treated water is discharged through a valve beyond the deflector.

Abstract: A foam fractionation protein skimmer assembly/apparatus for removing organic waste material from water within an aquarium includes a foam fractionation column adapted to be partially submerged in the water in an aquarium and an aerating water pump which mixes air with water drawn from the aquarium internally within the pump and pumps the aerated water into the column through an external water intake port on the column to provide a downward flow of water in the column counter to air bubbles rising within the column to induce production of surfactant-containing foam on the surface of the water within the column. The column itself is comprised of a plurality of separate tube sections or chambers frictionally connected together for ease of assembly and disassembly to facilitate cleaning of the column.

Abstract: An auto-flushing drainage filter system including a drum filter fastened to the lowest bottom of a fishpond, cylindrical brushes fastened inside the drum filter to remove debris and impurities from the water passing through, a first water pump to pump water from the fishpond through a clean water recycling pipe via the drum filter for circulation and filtration, a second water pump to pump a sudden rush of water from the fishpond into a drain pipe through the drum filter for carrying debris and impurities away from the drum filter.

Abstract: An aquarium cleaning device comprising a sucking head and a filter disc welded with a bottom opening of the sucking head, and a stirring pipe protruding slantingly through the filter disc and having a tubular portion on the filtr disc to protrude in an upper tubular portion of the sucking head and a lower filter portion with many filter holes for water to flow through, a water lead pipe connected with the tubular portion and extending up out of an aquarium, a sucking ball connected with an outer end of the water lead pipe to be repeatedly compressed to suck and push the water in the aquarium through the sucking head and the filter disc and the stirring pipe to suck out waste mixed in the water.