| abstract |
A compact and energy efficient photosynthetic filter for purifying and conditioning aquarium water comprising a receptacle (108) for holding aquarium water, a growth element (202) having a growth surface (204) of sufficient texture for growing adherent photosynthetic organisms, and a non-continuous illumination device for providing photosynthetic-sufficient illumination to the photosynthetic organisms. A non-continuous illumination device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention comprising a continuous light source mounted over a submerged, rotatably mounted, elongated, and substantially cylindrical growth element (202). Rotation of growth element (202) under the light source providing non-continuous illumination to adhered photosynthetic organisms. Rotation of the growth element is preferably powered by a motor (212) or turbine (600). The rotation rates of the growth element are controlled as to provide non-continuous illumination having alternating predetermined intervals of intense illumination and predetermined intervals of low illumination. The photosynthetic filters taught herein provide for greater than 66% reductions in size and even greater reductions in the lighting requirements as compared to the photosynthetic filters taught heretofore. Further, significant improvements to nutrient and light distribution to the photosynthetic organisms are attainable, thereby improving filtering efficacy. |