Apparatus, systems and methods for cleaning an aquarium

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems and methods aid in the cleaning of an aquarium and provide clean water to an aquarium. In particular, the present invention relates to an efficient, self-contained and simplified solution for cleaning aquarium tanks and replenishing clean water to an aquarium.

Claims

1. A system for cleaning an aquarium tank, the system comprising: a stationary first chamber comprising a bottom, at least one side wall, a grating forming a top thereof, and a space within the first chamber configured to catch debris falling through the grating disposed at the bottom of an aquarium containing an amount of water, the first chamber disposed over the entirety of the aquarium bottom and catching and holding debris that falls to the bottom of the aquarium; a second chamber disposed adjacent the first chamber, the second chamber comprising a plurality of passageways connecting the first chamber to the second chamber, the passageways configured to accelerate the flow of debris and water through the passageways when water and debris flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and further wherein each of the passageways form a space having a width larger than its height extending to the bottom of the aquarium; a stationary first tube extending upwardly from the second chamber and connected to the second chamber at a first end, wherein the first tube is configured to expel water from the second chamber out of the aquarium tank via a siphon.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the second chamber comprises a tubular portion having a plurality of openings to allow the flow of debris therethrough and into the first tube.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a screen covering the first chamber to allow debris to fall therethrough and into the first chamber.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the screen blocks material other than debris from falling into the first chamber.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the screen has a plurality of legs for propping the screen up above the first chamber.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first chamber extends from a first side of the aquarium to a second side of the aquarium.

7. The system of claim 1 comprising a pump configured to move water from the first stationary tube wherein the pump comprises a manual pump.

8. The system of claim 1 comprising a pump configured to move water from the first stationary tube wherein the pump comprises an electric pump.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the aquarium comprises water and fish.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the first tube is removable from the second chamber.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein a cap may fit over an opening formed when the first tube is removed from the second chamber to block the flow of material into or out of the opening.

12. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a filter interconnected with the stationary first tube, wherein the filter filters the debris.

13. A method of cleaning an aquarium comprising the steps of: providing an aquarium comprising water having a bottom and a stationary first chamber disposed at the bottom of the aquarium, the chamber comprising a bottom, at least one side wall, a grating forming a top thereof, and a space within the first chamber configured to catch debris falling through the grating to the bottom of the aquarium, the first chamber disposed over the entirety of the aquarium bottom and catching and holding debris that falls to the bottom of the aquarium, the aquarium further comprising a second chamber disposed adjacent the first chamber, the second chamber comprising a plurality of passageways connecting the first chamber to the second chamber, the passageways configured to accelerate the flow of debris and water through the passageways when water and debris flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and further wherein each of the passageways form a space having a width larger than its height extending to the bottom of the aquarium, the second chamber having a stationary first tube extending upwardly from the second chamber and connected to the second chamber at a first end, wherein the first tube is configured to expel water from the second chamber out of the aquarium tank via a siphon; engaging a siphon on the first stationary tube; pulling water and the debris from the entirety of the bottom of the aquarium through the second chamber and through the first tube; and expelling water and the debris through a second end of the first tube.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the aquarium further comprises a pump configured to move water from the first stationary tube wherein the pump is a manual pump.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the aquarium further comprises a pump configured to move water from the first stationary tube wherein the pump is an electric pump.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein water expelled from the first tube is filtered using a filter mechanism and further comprising the step of: adding the filtered water to the aquarium after filtration thereof.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein water and debris are ceased from expelling through the first tube by a step selected from the group consisting of closing a valve disposed on the first tube, introducing air into the first tube, and any combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The following figures represent exemplary particular embodiments of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Aquarium Cleaning Solution and components thereof in an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a connection point between the Rigid Chamber Tube and the Multitasking Hose where a cap may be placed on the Rigid Chamber Tube in an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of the connection point between the Rigid Chamber Tube and the Multitasking Hose, in an embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an optional Electronic Chamber Filter Pump in an embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the present invention when the set-up is complete, in an embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of the present invention showing the water flow with optional the Electric Chamber Filter Pump.

(8) FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a diagram of a Master Control Center (MCC) Valve Settings & Instructions, in an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates an overhead view of the components of the present invention in an embodiment thereof.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates an overhead view of a trap door in the grill in an embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of components of the present invention including an RCT-end cap, in an embodiment thereof.

(12) FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate a Siphon Pump coiled for compact storage and transportation, in an embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a siphon pump attached with a 45-degree coupling in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A-13B illustrate the Siphon Pump attached to the Aquarium with a Hood (using Straight Coupling and Siphon Hose (extension) to reach bucket) in an embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 14 illustrates Gravel Vacuum System Components in an embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 15 illustrates a close-up view of the Gravel Vacuum System Components in an embodiment of the present invention.

(16) FIG. 16 illustrates components of the Gravel Vacuum System in an embodiment of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up view of a Middle Modular Grill Unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

(18) FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up view of a Side Modular Grill Unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

(19) FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up view of a Corner Modular Grill Unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

(20) FIG. 20 illustrates a close-up view of a partially constructed modular grill in an embodiment of the present invention.

(21) FIG. 21 illustrates a close-up view of a completed modular grill in an embodiment of the present invention.

(22) FIG. 22 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a pump configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

(23) FIG. 23 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a pump configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

(24) FIG. 24 illustrates a further alternate embodiment of a pump configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

(25) FIG. 25 illustrates a still further alternate embodiment of a pump configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

(26) FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of a Commercial Bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

(27) FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a Consumer Bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

(28) FIG. 28 illustrates an alternate view of the Consumer Bucket in an embodiment of the present invention.

(29) FIG. 29 illustrates an overhead view of a Consumer Bucket in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

(30) FIG. 30 illustrates an overhead view of a Commercial Bucket in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

(31) FIG. 31 illustrates a Desktop ACS system in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(32) The Aquarium Cleaning Solution, in an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a total cleaning solution for an aquarium. The ACS provides an apparatus, system and method, including a systematic procedure that can be driven by either manual energy or electric energy, depending on the user's preference.

(33) Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 of the present invention is shown. Specifically, the system 10 comprises a Rigid Chamber Tube 12 debris falls on to the Rigid Chamber Tube (RCT) 12 and the floor of the aquarium 14 through the waste removal slits 16 in the Rigid Chamber Tube 12 to be flushed out of the aquarium system. The Rigid Chamber Tube 12 may be expandable to accommodate various aquarium tank sizes. The Rigid Chamber Tube 12, through its connector, the Rigid Chamber Tube Connector (RCTC) 18, located at its' center, is connected to the Multitasking Hose 20. If the optional Electric Chamber Filter Pump (not shown) is not in use, the RCTCap 50 (as illustrated in FIG. 2) may be placed on the RCTC 18 to seal off the RCT 12 and prevent the fish from entering the RCT 12. Alternatively, the RCTC 18 may have a slightly larger diameter with a screen disposed therein to prevent the fish from entering the RCT 12. A screen 22 may be disposed within the RCTC 18 to allow the MT 20 to plug into the RCTC 18 directly and securely. In the alternative operation, the larger diameter of the RCTC 18 helps to provide maximum water flow because of the disposition of the screen 22 may takes up some of the corresponding surface area. If the system 10 is using the optional Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60 (as shown in FIG. 4), the MT 20 may be attached to the RCTC 18 and fish cannot enter the RCT 12.

(34) Referring to FIG. 2, the RCTCap 50 may be provided for the Rigid Chamber Tube 12 when the Rigid Chamber Tube 12 is not connected to the Siphon Pump 28 or the MT 20 as noted below. Specifically, if the MT 20 is removed from the RCTC 18, the RCTCap may be used to restrict the movement of water and materials down into the RCTC 18 and, by extension, the RCT 12. FIG. 3 illustrates the MT 20 attached to the RCTC 18 during normal operation of the system 10.

(35) As illustrated in FIG. 4, when connected to the ECFP 60, the MT 20 may provide for the uptake of debris and the dirty water in the aquarium tank, through the Rigid Chamber Tube 12. The Rigid Chamber Tube 12, with its waste removal slits 16 for the uptake of the debris and dirty water, as shown in FIG. 1, may flow into the Multitasking Hose 20 by means of current caused by an aquarium impeller. The Rigid Chamber Tube 12 may sit on the aquarium floor beneath the Grill 24. At the connection point of the RCT 12 and the MT 20, the Grill 24 may also cover the opening to prevent fish and gravel from entering the RCT 12 or the MT 20. This may be used instead of the RCTCap 50, as shown in FIG. 2.

(36) The MT 20 may act in three capacities. When the system of the present invention are in a normal non-cleaning mode, the MT 20 may be connected to the RCT 12, and the optional Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60, so it may act as a passageway for the constant flow of water and debris from a Chamber 26 formed between the Grill 24 and the aquarium floor, to the Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60 for filtering. The Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60 then delivers the clean water back into the aquarium tank.

(37) The MT 20 may, in one embodiment, follow a diagonal path from the RCT to the SP, providing for the shortest distance and the most efficient operation of the SP. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the MT may extend from the SP 28 at a 45-degree angle via a 45-degree coupling 86 and connect to the RCTC 18 through the aquarium.

(38) Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60 (ECFP) (Optional): An electrical aquarium pump 60 may be attached to the MT 20 to generate water flow through the gravel into the chamber. This may speed up the process of debris falling through the gravel and into the Chamber 26. Additionally, some of the debris pulled into the Chamber 26 may be pulled through the MT 20 and then through the ECFP 60. There, the water may be filtered of debris and the clean water may flow out of the filter pump back into the top of the tank. Where the debris may be too large or heavy to be pulled into the ECFP 60, this debris may be removed using a Siphon Pump 28 when in chamber cleaning mode.

(39) An additional Filter Pump impeller (not shown) can be built into the ECFP 60 to have it do double-duty as an above the gravel, aquarium filter. At the end of the impeller intake tube there may be a bowl shaped piece that may reduce the amount of air bubbles sucked in the filter to reduce filter noise.

(40) A flow adjustment switch (not shown) may allow the user to choose how quickly the Chamber is filtered and eventually the aquarium. The flow adjustment switch may provide for the ability of a singular filter pump to be used in many different aquarium sizes.

(41) When the system 10 is acting in the Chamber Cleaning Mode, the MT 20 may be connected between the RCT 12 and the Siphon Pump 28, the MT 20 may act as the passageway to remove water through the Siphon Pump 28.

(42) The Grill 24 may be expandable or modular to fit various aquarium tank sizes. The Grill 24 in one of its forms may be tapered at its outer edges to eliminate from view the Chamber 26 that may be disposed therebeneath that is formed by the RCT 12. Thus, the view to the spectator may then appear as if the gravel sits directly on the floor of the aquarium tank. The Grill 24 may have holes small enough to prevent the gravel from falling through but large enough to allow waste and debris to flow under the Grill.

(43) Specifically, FIGS. 17-21 illustrate a specific embodiment of a modular grill 84 that may be utilized for sizing in different sized aquarium tanks. Specifically, the modular grill 84 may include three separate components, a Middle Modular Grill Unit A, a Corner Modular Grill Unit B, and a Side Modular Grill Unit C, which may be formed together to form the entirety of the modular grill 84, as shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 17 illustrates a close-up view of the Middle Modular Grill Unit A, which may merely be rectangular in shape, and may be designed to be disposed within a middle section of the modular grill 84. FIG. 18 illustrates a close-up view of the Side Modular Grill Unit B, which may have a sloped side, the sloped side designed to be located at or near the side of an aquarium to minimize the appearance of the grill 84 within the aquarium. FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up view of the Corner Modular Grill Unit C, which may have two sloped sides to fit in a corner of the aquarium, the sloped sides disposed towards two sides of the aquarium to minimize the appearance of the grill 84 within the aquarium. Taken together, the modular grill 84 may thus be utilized in aquariums of different sizes, and the Grill Units may be swapped to provide the proper sizing. FIG. 20 illustrates a partially constructed modular grill 82. FIG. 21 illustrates an overhead view of the modular grill 84 in one of a plurality of completed forms.

(44) A flexible gasket 85 may be provided along the edges of the Grill Units A, B and C to provide a seal against the aquarium bottom or sides to ensure that material, such as aquatic life or the like, does not have access to the area within the Grill Units A, B and C. As noted above, the area within the grill 84 may be referred to as the Chamber, and may be the area where the waste may collect after falling through the Grill Units A, B and C.

(45) Referring back to FIG. 1, the area or space between the aquarium tank bottom and the Grill created by the Grill Support Legs is referred to as the Chamber 24, which may also include the RCT 12. Plant clips may be attached to the Grill to hold plants securely thereon.

(46) The Siphon Pump 28 may be detached from the MT 20 when the process is complete. Users without the Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60 may remove the MT 20 from the Rigid Chamber Tube Connector 18 so neither the Siphon Pump 28 nor MT will distract from the beauty of the aquarium.

(47) The MT 20 may include a fixed, modular, telescopic and/or flexible hose 30, which accomplishes three vital functions within the Aquarium Cleaning Solution. Depending on the desired function the user wants to perform, the determination of what part of the system 10 the MT 20 may be plugged into is determined by the user. The MT 20 may plug into the system 10 with the assistance of magnetic or other air/watertight connectors. A tight bend radius may allow the MT 20 to provide the following functions (equivalent tubing can also be used).

(48) When connected between the RCT 12 and Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60 the MT 20 may act as a passageway bringing water up from the chamber and through the Electric Chamber Filter Pump 60 to be filtered and delivered back into the tank; When the MT 20 is connected between the RCT 12 and the Siphon Pump 28, it may act as a passageway to remove water via the siphon system. When the MT 20 is connected to the Siphon Pump 28/siphon junction only, the bottom of the MT 20 tube can be used to vacuum the gravel around the tank.

(49) A Hose Manager (HM) 90 (as illustrated in FIGS. 22-25) may be a flexible U-Shaped piece of plastic slightly larger than the siphon hose. The Hose Manager 90 may be located at the upper portion of the siphon hose 44 just below a Siphon Junction 46 (that provides the connection junction for the Siphon Starter Pump 40, the Siphon Hose 44 and the MT 20 (not shown) and may be used to help coil the SP when not in use. The bottom length of the siphon hose 44 may plug into the Siphon Junction 46. The siphon hose 44 may be coiled to create a closed system that neatly secures the Siphon Pump 28 for easy transport and storage, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D.

(50) FIGS. 23-25 illustrate alternate embodiments of Siphon Pumps having different orientations of Siphon Starter Pumps 40, depending on where or how the Siphon Starter Pump 40 may be stored or utilized with the ACS of the present invention. For example, the Siphon Starter Pump 40 may be directly connected to the Siphon Junction 46, as illustrated in FIG. 13A. Alternatively, the Siphon Starter Pump 40 may be connected to the Siphon Junction 46 via one or more 90 degree couplings, as illustrated in FIGS. 22-25. FIG. 25 illustrates a Rigid Siphon Tube 49 that may be disposed within a bucket or other receptacle for collecting water and waste from an aquarium.

(51) The system 10 may also work in Gravel Vacuum Mode, whereby the SP 28 may be utilized with a free vacuum tube apparatus that may be used to clean the tank of waste and debris, and may be manually manipulated by a user above the gravel. When the system 10 is acting in the Gravel Vacuum Mode, the MT 20 may be connected to the Siphon Pump 28, and an optional Gravel Vacuum System 70 (shown in FIGS. 14-16 may be attached to the opposite end from the Siphon Pump 28, for vacuuming the gravel as necessary. The Gravel Vacuum System 70 (GVS), as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, may connect to the MT 20 to aid in vacuuming the tank. The Gravel Vacuum System 70 components may include a Debris Separation Tube 72 (DST) where the debris may be separated from the gravel. The debris may be collected and may flow through the MT 20 and the Siphon Pump 28 where it may ultimately be collected in a bucket. A Fish Safety Screen 74 (FSS) may be located at the top of the DST 72 to prevent fish being sucked through the MT 20. An adjustable Flow Restrictor Cap 76 (FRC) may attach to the bottom of the Gravel Vacuum System 70. The adjustable Flow Restrictor Cap 76 may slow water flow to allow easy use of the gravel vacuum. The Flow Restrictor Cap may have a hole or opening, the hole or opening is adjustable to allow different rates of flow.

(52) An alternate embodiment to restrict water flow during vacuuming of the aquarium is a Globe Valve (not shown) in place of the shut-off valve in the Siphon Pump 28 (not shown).

(53) The MT 20 hose may be of sufficient length to reach all corners of the aquarium tank when vacuuming, and when used as a connector between the RCT 12 and the Electric Filter Pump 60 or as a connector between the RCT 12 and the Siphon Pump 28 provides sufficient length for the transportation of water.

(54) To operate the Gravel Vacuum System 70, a user may attach one end of the MT 20 to the Siphon Pump 28 and the other to the Debris Separation Tube 72. The user may then start the siphon by implementing the siphon pump 28 and move the Debris Separation Tube 72 around within the gravel to remove debris.

(55) Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, the MT 20 may be connected to the Siphon Pump 28 for delivery of the unclean water and waste to a Bucket 32. As illustrated in FIG. 13A. The siphon pump 28 may include a Siphon Starter Pump 40 that may be utilized to prime the Siphon Pump 28 to fill with water. A shut off valve 42 may be disposed beneath the Siphon Pump 28 and attached to the Siphon Hose 44. In use, the shut off valve 42 may be closed, and the Siphon Starter Pump 40 may be manually pumped to fill the MT 20 and the Siphon Hose 44 with water. Upon opening the shut off valve 44, a siphon may be created, whereby water and waste may flow from the aquarium to the bucket 32. If the MT 20 is attached to the RCT 12, the water and waste may be pulled from the Chamber. If the MT 20 is in Gravel Vacuum Mode, then the water and waste may flow from the Gravel Vacuum System 70.

(56) Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, an embodiment of the present invention is shown and described. Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates an overhead view of the system 10 of the present invention, including the RCT 12, the RCTC 18 and the MT 20 for removing waste and debris that may fall into the Chamber 26 disposed beneath the grill 24. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a trap door 80 may be disposed within the grill 24 to obtain access to the Chamber 26 thereunder. FIG. 9 illustrates the trap door 82 opened to gain access to the Chamber 26.

(57) A Magnetic Floor Scraper (MFS) 82 may be disposed within the Chamber 26 beneath the Grill 24. The MFS may be comprised of two components and used to clean the aquarium tank. The first component may be a Chamber Magnet (CM); the Chamber Magnet may be placed on the aquarium tank floor. The second component may be an Outer Magnet (OM) (not shown) that may be located on the outside of the aquarium tank on the side opposite the Chamber Magnet. As the Outer Magnet is moved, the Chamber Magnet may follow on a corresponding path. The Chamber Magnet may be in contact with the aquarium tank floor in the Chamber and as it moves, it may loosen the debris accumulated on the floor of the aquarium tank inside the Chamber. The Outer Magnet may have an optional extension rod for ease of handling. The Chamber Magnet and the Outer Magnet may be coated on their respective surface to not scratch the aquarium tank. The Chamber Magnet may be encased in a plastic coating that may provide for easy movement along the aquarium floor and may prevent the Chamber Magnet from rusting. A scoop can be added to the Chamber Magnet for positioning debris in the Chamber, and therefore easier removal of the debris. The scoop may have a unique shape that may help trap the debris and may be in communication with a semi-enclosed compartment for retaining the debris being removed.

(58) FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the system 12, including the RCT 12, the RCTC 18, the Grill 24 and the Chamber 26 disposed beneath the Grill 24. The RCT is illustrated, in FIG. 10, as a rectangular prism having a length that generally covers an entire side of the aquarium. Waste slits (not shown) may be disposed in the RCT 12 for pulling water, waste and debris from the Chamber 26 when the siphon process is activated. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 10, RCT End-Caps 84 may be provided to seal the ends of the RCT 12 so that all water, waste and debris may flow through the waste slits (not shown), providing full and efficient removal of the waste and debris within the Chamber 26.

(59) Depending on the aquarium tank setup, the aquarium tank, as used in the present invention, may be situated on Tank Support Legs (TSL) or a Base. The TSL or Base provides support for the aquarium tank so that the Outer Magnet may be moved around on the Chamber floor and with the optional extension rod provides a fuller cleaning of the aquarium tank floor in the Chamber. The TSLs may be positioned to provide for the necessary balance of the aquarium tank, decorative articles or ornaments can be attached to the TSLs to further highlight the aquarium setting.

(60) Operation of the Present Invention

(61) At the time to clean an aquarium, the first step may be to affix the Siphon Pump 28 to the side of the aquarium and then connect the Siphon Pump 28 to the RCT 12 through the MT 20. The second step may be to place a shut-off valve on the Siphon Pump 28 in a closed position. The third step may be to pump the Siphon Pump until the MT 20 fills with water above the shut-off valve. The fourth step may be to open the shut-off valve of the Siphon Pump 28 so the siphon may begin and the water may flow and may automatically flush the debris from the Chamber 26 into the bucket. To stop the siphon, the user may remove the siphon pump 28 from a siphon junction, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. This may thus introduce air into the Siphon Junction 46, which will stop the siphon. The system 10 of the present invention may remove five (5) gallons of water into a bucket in approximately 25 seconds; however, the precise time for removing the water is subject to a host of factors and cannot be predicted with perfect accuracy. The water flow generated by the Siphon Pump 28 may create enough suction to pull debris trapped in the gravel into the Chamber 26 and, therefore, out of the Chamber through the MT 20.

(62) Setup for Large Tanks

(63) For aquariums larger than 36 inches long, a dual side-by-side system setup may be necessary. As an example, a 55-gallon aquarium, with a 48-inch by 12-inch tank, two (2) identical 24 inch by 12-inch units of the present invention may be installed side by side, separated by a Chamber Divider (CD) (not shown). The Chamber Divider may thus split the 48-inch long tank into two (2) independent 24-inch Chambers.

(64) FIG. 6 illustrates a side-by-side system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the side-by-side system 100 may include a first RCT 102 and a second RCT 104 disposed side by side, and having a chamber divider 106 disposed therebetween. A first RCTC 108 may extend from the first RCT 102 and a second RCTC 110 may extend from the second RCT 104. A first MT 112 may extend from the first RCTC 108 and a second MT 114 may extend from the second RCTC 110. Each of the first and second MTs 112, 114 may be connected to an electric chamber filter pump 116, or, alternatively, to one or more siphon pumps (not shown) and may generally operate as disclosed above with the system 10. Using the electric chamber filter pump 116, however, the filtered water may be recirculated back into the aquarium through a Rigid Filter Tube 118. In addition, the first and/or second MTs 112, 114 may be removable and, preferably, capped or otherwise provided with a screen or other restrictive element to prevent the entry of material into the first and/or second RCTs 102, 104.

(65) Connecting the two (2) ACS units together is the Master Control Center (MCC) valve which is a 4-way mixing valve that provides seamless integration of the two (2) or dual ACS units, so the units function as one. The Master Control Center is illustrated in FIG. 7A and the operation thereof is illustrated in 7B.

(66) The MT 20 may connect each of the units to the MCC valve. Different valve configurations may be possible, including the use of a three-way valve.

(67) The Rigid Filter Tube (RFT) 118 may screw into the Master Control Center (MCC) valve and may filter the aquarium water. Suction Cup Hose Clamps (SCHC) may secure the MT 20 to the aquarium tank or RCT 12. The SCHC allows the MT 20 to maneuver freely around the aquarium tank.

(68) The bucket used to capture debris from within the aquarium tank may be used for other household chores such as a watering bucket for household and garden plants, due to the high nitrate content of the aquarium water.

(69) Referring now to FIGS. 26-29, various embodiments of buckets are shown and described herein. One purpose of the bucket is to allow the user to remove water and waste from an aquarium tank without any lifting or spilling. The bucket may be sized in various sizes to accommodate different sized tanks. The bucket may also be on wheels for easy mobility.

(70) Another embodiment of a bucket 130 is shown in FIG. 26. The top of the bucket 130 may have a lid 132 with an opening 134 located near a side of the lid 132. The opening 134 in the lid 132 may be sufficiently sized to let the bottom of a Rigid Siphon Tube 47 in and let enough air-pressure out for proper function of the siphon. The lid 132 may be removable and may be used to keep water from spilling or splashing while cleaning the tank. When the Siphon Pump 28 is not in use, the opening 134 in the lid 132 may be plugged to prevent water from spilling or splashing while transporting or storing the bucket. The lid 132 may be transparent so the user can see the water level. The bottom of the Rigid Siphon Tube 47 may slide down into the bucket. The bottom of the bucket may be angled to create a Collection Point (CP) (not shown) for all the water therein.

(71) Water may be removed from the bucket in one of three methods. The first method may be shown by bucket 140, as shown in FIG. 27. Water may be removed through a spigot 142 located at the bottom of the bucket 140. In the second method, as shown by bucket 150 in FIG. 28, the water may be removed from the bucket 150 with a water aspirator pump 152. The aspirator pump 152 may be connected to a sink with a first end of a Hose 154 (regular or coiled) continuing from the aspirator pump 152 to the other or distal end of the hose 154, which may be screwed into the outside of a Hose Connector 156, the Hose Connector may be located near the top of the bucket 150. As shown in FIG. 29, a second hose or tube, called the Inner Bucket Hose 158 (IBH), may have a first end connected to the Hose Connector 156. The second end of the Inner Bucket Hose 158 may be positioned at a Collection Point within the bucket 150. When the water aspirator pump 152 is activated, the bucket 150 may begin to drain into the sink.

(72) To fill the tank with water, one may simply unscrew the hose 154 from the bucket 150 and place it in the aquarium tank, close the aspirator pump 152, and the clean water from the faucet or other source may flow through the hose 154 and into the aquarium tank.

(73) The third way to remove water from the bucket and refill the aquarium tank may be with a water pump 162 that may be disposed within bucket 160, as shown in FIG. 30. The water pump 162 may be installed at a Collection Point within the bucket 160 and may be connected to the Inner Bucket Hose (INH). The opposite end of the INH may be connected to a hose connector 164 located on the inside of the bucket 160. A first end of a regular hose 166 may be screwed into the outside of the Hose Connector 164. The second end of the hose 166 may be placed in a sink, toilet, flowerpot, garden, or wherever the user may want to dispose of the dirty water. A power cord 168 may run from the water pump 162 and may exit the bucket 160 just under the lid (not shown). The remainder of this cord may be stored in a Cord Reel 170 until such time one is to begin pumping water out of the bucket 160. When the power cord 168 is plugged into a power source, it may begin to pump water out of the bucket 160 through an internal hose 172 and then through the regular hose 166. When the bucket is empty, the pump 162 may automatically stop.

(74) To refill an aquarium tank using this method, a first end of the regular hose 166 may be screwed onto the sink faucet, which may be fitted with a hose adaptor, and the second end of the regular hose may be screwed in to the hose connector 164 in the bucket wall. When the sink faucet is turned on, the water from the faucet may fill the bucket 160. To refill the tank, one may simply unscrew the hose from the sink faucet, and may place this first end of the regular hose inside of the aquarium tank and plug the water pump 162 into a power source.

(75) A battery operated water pump may be used to perform these functions for greater mobility. A Water Redirection Cone (WRC) (not shown) may be screwed onto the end of the hose to evenly disperse water into the tank. The WRC may disperse the water in 360 degrees, so the gravel or tank ornaments may not be disturbed.

(76) Alternatively, there may be a bucket design for commercial applications. This alternative bucket design may be useful in commercial environments where tanks that are at different heights need to be cleaned, and the environment requires that no water spills occur. This alternative bucket design may be larger than the regular bucket used. This alternative bucket design may also be used for consumers who have very large aquarium tanks.

(77) Referring now to FIG. 31, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown and described. Specifically, FIG. 31 illustrates a desktop aquarium system 200 that may be utilized to ensure a clean and safe environment for aquatic animals contained therein. The system 200 may include an aquarium 202 having a plurality of legs 204 that may be utilized to keep the aquarium 202 in an upright position. Within the aquarium 202 may have a sloped chamber 206 within the aquarium 202 and disposed at the bottom thereof. The chamber 206 is sloped downward creating, toward a bottom corner of the aquarium 202, a collection point 208 for the collection of debris and waste from within the aquarium 202 and aquatic animals that may be contained therein. Although shown in the corner, the collection point may be at any location within the chamber 206. Due to gravity, the debris and waste within the aquarium 202 may fall to the collection point 208.

(78) A grill 210 may be provided above the chamber 206 and may define the chamber 206. The grill 210 may be a screen having holes therein to allow debris and waste to fall therethrough, but not other material within the aquarium, such as gravel, plants, ornaments, aquatic animals and the like. Specifically, the grill 210 may hold the gravel and ornaments above and away from the sloped chamber. Thus, the fish and/or other aquatic animals may reside above the grill 210.

(79) Once the debris and waste from the aquatic animals passes through the grill 210, the debris and waste would fall to the collection point 208 and collect at the collection point 208. A siphon hose 212 may be located at or near the proximity of the collection point 208, either disposed above the collection point 208, or disposed beneath the collection point 208. As shown in FIG. 34, the siphon hose 212 is disposed above the collection point 208. When a siphon is created within the siphon hose 212, the siphon hose will pull the debris and waste out of the aquarium 202. The siphon hose 212 may be cut at an angle to provide a larger opening for the removal of waste and debris. For example, if disposed in a bottom corner of the tank, the siphon hose 212 may be cut at its terminal end near the collection point at a 45 degree angle to provide a wider mouth for the siphon hose 212, which may allow more waste and debris to pass therethrough.

(80) The siphon hose 212 generally runs upwardly and out of the aquarium. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, the siphon hose 212 may run up and over the top edge of the aquarium 202, may U-turn downwardly and be attached to the side of the aquarium 202 via a holder 214 disposed on the side of the aquarium 202. Attached to an end of the siphon hose 212 may be a valve 216 that may manually be opened or closed to allow the siphon to activate and the water in the aquarium, as well as debris and waste, to get pulled out. The valve may be positioned at or near the location of the collection point 208, but outside of the aquarium.

(81) When the valve 216 is opened, the water, as well as the waste and debris at the collection point 208, may automatically flow out of the aquarium 202 thereby cleaning the aquarium 202. In a preferred embodiment, the valve may be positioned above the collection point 208 near the bottom of the tank. Thus, a water change may easily be performed, as the water, waste and debris will continuously flow out through the siphon hose 212 until the water level in the aquarium reaches the exit opening in the valve 216. The valve may also be located above the grill 210 and any gravel, rocks, ornaments or the like, to avoid emptying too much water causing any aquatic animals to suffer or die from lack of water. It should be noted, however, that the valve 216 may be located at any position on the side of the aquarium 202 depending on how much water is desired to be removed from the tank 202.

(82) Optionally, the valve 216 may simply be closed when the desired water level is reached. By closing the valve 216 while the siphon is still active, the siphon will remain ready to be activated automatically when the valve 216 is opened again. If the siphon stops because the water level drops below the level of the exit point on the valve, then an optional pump may be utilized to start the siphon process anew. In addition, the first time the siphon is started, a pump must be utilized to draw water up through the siphon hose 212. The pump may be a manual pump, an electric pump, or simply using one's mouth to suck water through the siphon hose 212 or by submerging the siphon hose 212 completely within the water until it fills completely.

(83) In an alternate embodiment, the siphon hose 212 may be divided into several pieces that may be removed when not in use so that the components of the siphon hose 212, the valve 216 or other components are not readily apparent. In addition, a siphon starting pump may be utilized to start the siphon process, as noted above, and may be a modular component that may fit on the siphon hose 212 at any desired location. For example, the siphon starter pump may be a bulb that may be squeezed, thereby pulling water up the siphon hose 212 to start the siphon process.

(84) Of course, the size of the aquarium 202 and the components thereof, as described herein, may be scalable and sized in any manner depending on the desire of the user. For example, the siphon hose 212 may be modular and/or expandable, depending on the amount of water desired to be removed from the aquarium 202.

(85) While the present invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure.