Method and apparatus for electrically inhibiting bacteria growth in aquariums
First Claim
1. An apparatus in combination with an aquarium having a sand or gravel floor for inhibiting reproduction of anaerobic bacteria in said aquarium, said apparatus comprising:
- a first electrode having an exposed surface;
means for supporting said exposed surface of said first electrode adjacent the floor of the aquarium;
a second electrode having an exposed surface;
means for supporting said exposed surface of said second electrode adjacent the floor of the aquarium at a position spaced laterally from said first electrode; and
a voltage source connected to said first and second electrode for establishing a steady electrical potential between said first and second electrodes, said steady electrical potential being in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 volts;
said exposed surfaces of said first and second electrodes being dimensioned so as to provide a direct current between said first and second electrodes in the range of 0.1 to 10 milliamperes;
said direct current passing adjacent the floor of the aquarium to inhibit the reproduction of anaerobic bacteria growing adjacent thereto while avoiding inhibition of the reproduction of aerobic bacteria growing adjacent thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for inhibiting bacteria growth and reproduction in an aquarium containing water and aquatic organisms such as fish, includes at least one positive and one negative electrode connected to a D.C. power source operative to produce electric power in the range of about 1.5 to 3.0 volts and about 0.1 to 10 milliamperes. The electrodes are disposed in spaced relation within the aquarium, and are at least partially immersed in the water. The positive electrode is formed from galvanized wire or zinc wire, and the negative electrode is formed from galvanized wire. The electric potential between the electrodes is effective to inhibit the reproduction of bacteria which is detrimental to fish, humans and water clarity. In larger aquariums, a plurality of pairs of positive and negative electrodes are spaced in alternating sequence within the aquarium to maintain an electric potential throughout the aquarium effective to inhibit bacteria reproduction.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. An apparatus in combination with an aquarium having a sand or gravel floor for inhibiting reproduction of anaerobic bacteria in said aquarium, said apparatus comprising:
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a first electrode having an exposed surface; means for supporting said exposed surface of said first electrode adjacent the floor of the aquarium; a second electrode having an exposed surface; means for supporting said exposed surface of said second electrode adjacent the floor of the aquarium at a position spaced laterally from said first electrode; and a voltage source connected to said first and second electrode for establishing a steady electrical potential between said first and second electrodes, said steady electrical potential being in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 volts; said exposed surfaces of said first and second electrodes being dimensioned so as to provide a direct current between said first and second electrodes in the range of 0.1 to 10 milliamperes; said direct current passing adjacent the floor of the aquarium to inhibit the reproduction of anaerobic bacteria growing adjacent thereto while avoiding inhibition of the reproduction of aerobic bacteria growing adjacent thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification