Self-starting, quiet, surge-free circulation of aquarium water to an accessory such as a filter or germicidal lamp is achieved by a system including an airlift into a substantially airtight accessory where the air and water are trapped so as to provide a pressure to lift the water out of the accessory. Air other than the quantity remaining trapped is bled through a constricted passage into the outflowing water tube, and appears to aid its outflow by a blowing action resembling an airlift.
A water purifying device which includes a plurality of barrels connected one after another by means of thread engagements into an elongated tube having an inlet end and an outlet end. A number of the barrels are loaded with filtering materials such as cloth and charcoal for filtering out solids. One barrel contains an ultraviolet lamp device for destroying microorganisms, spores and the like contained in water to be purified.
An aquarium system is made self contained, even for salt water, by providing it with a sub-gravel filter in series with a carbon filter, and ultra-violet sterilizer and a temperature control unit, and a water withdrawal and return that insures circular flow in the tank. The system includes a means for introducing outside air into the filter circulation system, advantageously at a point just prior to reintroduction of the filtered water to the tank. Capability of the system to provide an environment in which long-time survival of sensitive fish and invertebrates is made possible by the addition of an air stripper unit in parallel with the sub-gravel filter. The air stripper and the ultra-violet sterilizer are specially constructed to enhance the operation of the system.
A water treating method is disclosed. Water stored in a container is circulated through an external passageway and subjected to ultraviolet radiation and biological oxidation treatment, whereupon the growth of undesired aquatic chlorophyceae and microorganisms is inhibited and at the same time, organic matter is decomposed and removed, thereby maintaining a low COD level and clarifying water in the container. This method is particularly useful for keeping water in a container clean.
An apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting fluids, which comprises a fluid conduit, an ultraviolet light source, which is at least partially within the fluid conduit, and an air drive unit coupled to the fluid conduit. The ultraviolet light source generates an ultraviolet light, which kills microorganisms in the fluid, thus sterilizing or disinfecting the fluid. The air dive unit creates air bubbles in the fluid, such as for fish tanks, fish hatchery ponds, or the like. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the ultraviolet light source comprises an ultraviolet light bulb being surrounded by a protective sleeve. The protective sleeve preferably comprises a UV transmissive material, which may comprise a fluoropolymer material, such as PTFE, FEP, PFA, AF and Tefzel ETFE.
