Abstract: An aquarium façade assembly with encased faux human head creates an animated visual effect through use of a transparent sidewalls; a base with a mirror finish; LEDs shining on the mirror finish; a front façade chamber containing an aerated, bubbling liquid; and a suspended, yet moving faux human head. An aerator, an air tube, and a liquid fill-drain aperture enhance aeration, circulation, and drainage for the liquid contained in the front façade chamber, to enhance the visual effect of the faux human head. A passive infrared sensor detects motion near the front sidewall, and actuates motion of the faux human head through a cable, pulley, and shaft mechanism. Magnets in the base and cover of the aquarium assembly generate a magnetic field throughout the aquarium cavity. The magnetic field causes metallic materials integrated in the faux human head to gyrate, causing the head to gyrate accordingly.

Abstract: A basking heater for an animal, such as a reptile, includes a housing, a heating element within the housing, and an opening in a bottom of the housing, so that the heating element may radiate heat through the opening, and an attachment arrangement. The attachment arrangement can be used to selectively attach the heater to a terrarium. The housing can be made of thermal plastic resin and can include vents for cooling the housing. The housing can have low profile shape. The heater may have multiple power settings.

Abstract: A top member for a terrarium is disclosed along with the terrarium. The top member includes a frame member positioned around an upper periphery of the terrarium. The frame member contains a recess. A divider spans across the upper periphery of the terrarium. The top member also has a pair of brackets each having a first portion sized to fit into the recess of the frame member and a second portion secured to the divider by fasteners. The top member further has a pair of covers secured between the frame member and the divider which allow for the passage of air into and out of the terrarium. The top member also has a pair of attachment members each surrounding one of the pair of covers. The pair of attachment members engages with the frame member and the divider to hold the pair of covers secure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises an arm member fixedly attached to the panel, a clamp member for attachment of the device to a wall of the aquarium, a hinge member for hingedly attaching the arm member to the clamp member, and at least one light element disposed on the at least one panel such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all panels.

Abstract: An LED-based aquarium lighting system having upgradeable control system and a method thereof are provided. The system includes an LED source having a plurality of LED lights, a marine habitat for housing a marine habitat life, a control system which comprises a motherboard, a control panel, and a control module. The control module is replaceable with a new control module to provide upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system. Accordingly, to perform an upgrade of the control system, a user replaces the control module with a new control module by removing the control module from the motherboard and plugging the new control module in the motherboard, thereby readily making upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system without requiring the entire aquarium lighting system be replaced.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus that may be utilized with an aquarium having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of the aquarium for various purposes such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises a plurality of panels; a joint that joins at least two adjacent panels together; and a lighting element disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that the lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: A reptile breeding tank includes a tank body formed of a front cage panel, a back cage panel, left and right cage panels, a top cage panel, a bottom cage panel and an arched angle of intersection between the front cage panel and the top cage panel, a back plate detachably mounted at the rear side of the tank body and supported on the back cage panel, and a flip-up top cover hinged to the tank body and turnable between an open position to open the top side of the tank body and a close position to close the top side of the tank body.

Abstract: A lighting system and apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features and functionality of the lighting system and apparatus provide easy access to the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. In addition, the features and functionality of some embodiments provide a lighting system that does not require ballasts, light sockets, or a multitude of wiring, and includes a modular design. Further, for some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while simultaneously limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: An aquarium pump having LED lamps, wherein the coil unit of a motor unit in the pump housing is used as a primary coil unit, and a first insulating layer is used to envelop the primary coil unit, then a secondary coil unit is used to wind the primary coil unit; taking advantage of induction of the secondary coil unit to the primary coil unit to generate a low voltage for using by the LED illuminating lamp set. Kinetic energy during rotation of an internal magnet of a motor for the pump is used as induction potential, this is the energy required that can get an effect of energy saving and carbon reducing.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises two or more panels; one or more joints that join at least two adjacent panels together; and one or more light elements disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting system and apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features and functionality of the lighting system and apparatus provide easy access to the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. In addition, the features and functionality of some embodiments provide a lighting system that does not require ballasts, light sockets, or a multitude of wiring, and includes a modular design. Further, for some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while simultaneously limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.

Abstract: Closed top home aquarium for setting up and maintaining a sea water aquatic environment in particular. The aquarium includes a transparent open topped box-like enclosure, a compartment integrally formed with and behind the box-like enclosure, and a hinged dual position fan cooled hood. The compartment includes a water circulation system and a multistage filtration system. The hood includes a lighting system for daytime and nighttime illumination, and a built-in 24 programmable timer. The aquarium includes a thermostat controlled water temperature system and a below water level splash proof power center for safely and aesthetically connecting all electrical aquarium components to a mains electricity outlet. Home aquariums can be provided with an integrally formed below water level splash proof power center for use with off-the-shelf electrical aquarium appliances.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish includes a light source for emitting a green light. The light source is disposed within an enclosure which is removably attached to a rigid structure at a predetermined distance above a water surface and includes a diffuser capable of passing the emitted light therethrough. The light source is electrically connected to a power source capable of supplying 120 volts AC. Control switch disposed intermediate the light source and the power source selectively controls supply and termination of the voltage to the light source. The emitted light penetrates the diffuser and the water surface and is transmitted to a predetermined distance below the surface of water.

Abstract: The Shimmerlight Aquarium Illuminator differs from conventional flourescent or incandescent aquarium light hoods in that it generates rays of light in the water which have motion and increased contrast, rather than simply flat, uniform light. It has natural underwater light movement.

Abstract: A stand for cakes or pastries comprises a base, a transparent column mounted to said base, and a platform positioned on said transparent tube to support the cake or pastry. Air bubbles are introduced into water in the transparent tube, and an electric bulb in the base lights up the water and air bubbles.

Abstract: An aquarium and laser device associated therewith includes a tank having a base and transparent continuous wall sealingly connected to the base and extending upward therefrom to form a container, and a laser device operably associated with the tank in a manner such that the laser device is powerable to cause a laser beam to traverse the tank. The laser device preferably includes an ornamental structure disposed on the base of the tank and has operably disposed therein a laser beam emitter connected to a power source. A method of using the same is also provided.

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: An enclosure which defines an extension located both immediately above and rearward of an aquarium with a front wall, a rear wall, opposing side walls, a bottom wall, an open top. The enclosure comprising a fame that includes a plurality of support members. Located about the frame members is a screen material or other material which defines the top, front, sides and rear walls of said enclosure. An opening is defined in the enclosure by the support members and the screen material. The opening is horizontally oriented, generally adjacent to the front wall and spaced below the top wall of the enclosure. The frame is adapted to be mounted relative to the aquarium such that the opening is generally coincidental with the open top of the aquarium. A portion of said enclosure is thus located above the aquarium with another portion of the enclosure located above and rearward of the rear wall of the aquarium.

Abstract: An aquarium system includes an inlet reservoir, an aquarium tank defining a container for water in fluid communication with the inlet reservoir to receive water displaced from the inlet reservoir, an outlet reservoir in fluid communication with the tank for receiving water displaced from the tank, and a water treatment unit in fluid communication with the inlet reservoir and the outlet reservoir. The water treatment unit includes a rotatably supported media wheel which has a first hollow portion and a second portion carrying a water displacement media. The media is alternately submersible into and raisable out of water contained in the water treatment unit as the media wheel is rotated to displace water from the unit to the inlet reservoir, to thereby cycle water through the system. In one embodiment, the displacement media is a biological media. In another embodiment, the media wheel carries an algae screen on its perimeter.

Abstract: A vivarium with a raised side access panel which allows reptiles to be approached laterally rather than from above. A lower glass panel below the side access panel permits the vivarium to hold water for amphibians while permitting side access to the reptiles inside. A frame structure is also provided which allows upper and lower frame segments to be interchanged. The upper frame segments allow the top lid to be permanently mounted such that a variety of equipment can be placed on the top cover of the vivarium without being disturbed when the vivarium is accessed through the side access panel. The shape of the frame segments form recessed bottom which can hold an optional heating element to control temperature in the vivarium from below.

Abstract: A device for raising aquarium fish is a combination of a water tank and a receptacle assembly. The water tank has an upper opening, a lid for closing the upper opening and provided with an illumination mechanism and a filtration mechanism, and a fastening portion. The receptacle assembly is for supplying electricity to the illumination and filtration mechanisms and has a fastened portion for engagement with the fastening portion of the water tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for illuminating a decorative scene disposed adjacent to a wall of an aquarium, terrarium, or other such enclosure. The invention provides an easy to use apparatus which effectively and uniformly illuminates a decorative background and is suitable for use with a wide variety of shapes and sizes of these types of enclosures. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a housing defining a cavity having an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper and lower edge, and a top portion, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface is a reflective surface and is inclined relative to the wall of the enclosure. The inclined inner surface includes means for reflecting light incident on at least a part thereof.

Abstract: An aquarium system (10) includes an inlet reservoir (25), an aquarium tank (16) defining a container for water in fluid communication with the inlet reservoir (25) to receive water displaced from the inlet reservoir (25), an outlet reservoir (35) in fluid communication with the tank (16) for receiving water displaced from the tank (16), and a water treatment unit (45) in fluid communication with the inlet reservoir (25) and tile outlet reservoir (35). The water treatment unit (45) includes a rotatably supported media wheel (47) which has a first hollow portion (48) and a second portion (49) carrying a water displacement media (50). The media (50) is alternately submersible into and raisable out of water contained in the water treatment unit (45) as the media wheel (47) is rotated to displace water from the unit to the inlet reservoir (25), to thereby cycle water through the system. In one embodiment, the displacement media (50) is a biological media.

Abstract: A device for raising aquarium fish is a combination of a water tank and a receptacle assembly (4). The water tank has an upper opening, a lid for closing the upper opening and provided with an illumination mechanism and a filtration mechanism (3), and a fastening portion at notch (3c). The receptacle assembly is for supplying electricity to the illumination and filtration mechanisms and has a fastened portion for engagement with the fastening portion of the water tank.

Abstract: An illuminator for an aquarium tank including a tank body and a lid member mounted on the tank body is accommodated in the lid member. The illuminator includes a base plate, a light source attached to the base plate, a translucent cover for covering the light source and protecting it from waterdrops. The cover is provided with a plurality of fastened members and a plurality of resilient fastening members are provided on the base plate for detachably engaging the fastened members.

Abstract: A wall mounted aquarium includes an aquarium, a frame which holds the aquarium, and brackets which mount the frame to a wall. The frame has a bottom member, side members, and a top member. The bottom and side members are generally C-shaped to define a groove sized to receive the aquarium and are joined together to vertically and slideably receive the aquarium in the groove. The frame top fits over the aquarium. The wall brackets have openings which slidably receive downwardly and outwardly extending tabs from the frame side members to removably mount the frame and aquarium to a wall.

Abstract: A hinge device is used in an aquarium tank including a tank body and a lid member mounted on the tank body and having a front lid pivotably attached thereto. The hinge device includes bottomed holes formed in the opposite side surfaces of the lid member, a pair of pin members each including an abutment portion, a shaft portion and a resilient portion between the abutment portion and the shaft portion, and bearing holes formed on opposite side walls of the front lid. The front lid is pivotably attached to the lid member, with the abutment portion abutted against the bottom of the bottomed hole and the shaft portion thrust into the bearing hole by the resilient force of the resilient portion.

Abstract: The covering device for an aquarium, terrarium or like vivarium for living things includes an approximately rectangular frame (13); an upwardly openable cover member (15) pivotally mounted on the frame; a lighting device (17) mounted on the bottom side (16) of the cover member (15); a device for locking and releasing the cover member (15) when it is in a closed position on the frame (13) and a drive mechanism (18) for pivoting the cover member (15) upward automatically automatically to open it when the cover member (15) is released by the locking and releasing device, at least over a predetermined initial pivot angle range. A brake device for braking the action of the drive mechanism can also be provided.

Abstract: A water distributor for distributing a flow of water to at least one of a plurality of output ports. The particular output port(s) chosen varies as a function of time and depends on the position of a motor driven rotor within the distributor. In another embodiment of the invention the distributor distributes water to at least one of a plurality of nozzles and draws water through at least one of the same plurality of nozzles. Other ones of the plurality of nozzles are neither outputting nor drawing in water. The function of a particular nozzle is dependent on the position of a rotor within the distributor. The rotor is motor driven whereby the function of a particular nozzle changes as a function of time as the rotor rotates. Each distributor of the invention is particularly adaptable for coupling to a fresh or salt-water aquarium to provide the aquarium with time varying currents and eddies.

Abstract: An aquarium includes a tank with a canopy forming a top for the tank. A well is formed in the canopy with a ledge and a hollow hinged door fastened to the canopy and resting on the ledge. The door includes a transparent bottom panel and a removable top panel with a lighting fixture mounted on the top panel and positioned so that it illuminates the interior of the tank. The door can be opened for tasks such as cleaning the tank. The described configuration isolates the light fixture from the tank such that changing of the bulb or tube or servicing of the light fixture may be accomplished with minimum danger of electrical shocks from contact with water in the tank. A smaller port on one side of the canopy provides ready access to the tanks for feeding the fish.

Abstract: A hood for a tank to be used in housing reptiles, comprising a body sized to rest on top of the tank, sockets for a fluorescent light source disposed on the bottom surface of the body, sockets for incandescent light sources disposed on the bottom surface of the body, a switch for controlling the fluorescent light source, and a separately operable switch for controlling the incandescent light sources.

Abstract: An aquarium having an adjustable lighting system for enhancing the display of fluorescent objects, such as fluorescent fish, contained within the aquarium under various external lighting conditions, such as a dark room or a brightly lit room. The aquarium comprises a tank and a plurality of light sources. Each light source emits light at a different wavelength spectrum which is selected to enhance the display of the fluorescent object under each type of external lighting condition. An electronic control is provided to control the operation of the plurality of light sources such that each light source may be selectively turned on/off based on the external lighting condition, or chronological criteria, to provide the best viewing experience.

Abstract: An aquarium having an adjustable lighting system for enhancing the display of fluorescent objects, such as fluorescent fish, contained within the aquarium under various external lighting conditions, such as a dark room or a brightly lit room. The aquarium comprises a tank and a plurality of light sources. Each light source emits light at a different wavelength spectrum which is selected to enhance the display of the fluorescent object under each type of external lighting condition. An electronic control is provided to control the operation of the plurality of light sources such that each light source may be selectively turned on/off based on the external lighting condition, or chronological criteria, to provide the best viewing experience.