AU2020384660A1

AU2020384660A1 - A cleaning system for an aquaculture tank

Info

Publication number: AU2020384660A1
Application number: AU2020384660A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Matthew LOGAN; Tim RUDGE; Greg STRADA
Original assignee: Yumbah Aquaculture Ltd
Current assignee: Yumbah Aquaculture Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-12
Filing date: 2020-11-12
Publication date: 2022-06-23
Also published as: WO2021092653A1

Abstract

A cleaning system (100) for an aquaculture tank. The cleaning system (100) is locatable along a length of the aquaculture tank (220a), (220b), (220c). The cleaning system (100) has a collector arrangement (120) for collecting fluid used for cleaning the aquaculture tank (220a), (220b), (220c). The collector arrangement (120) is configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement in a first direction and configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement in a second direction, different from the first direction.

Description

A cleaning system for an aquaculture tank

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning system for an aquaculture tank.

Background

[0002] Existing aquaculture systems that have multiple tanks in which aquatic animals, for example, may be grown use a conventional collector located at an end of each tank for cleaning purposes. The collector is filled with water and, once it has accumulated enough water, the collector releases that water onto the tank. The collector would need to collect a large volume of water to be able to clean the entire length of the tank, which could span about 20m to 30m. Typically, these collectors would need to collect about at least 750L of water for a cleaning ran. The water from the collector would need to travel the full length of the tank to clean it. Cleaning the tanks using a conventional collector would be time consuming (due to the large volume of water needed) and would result in high pumping and labour costs. Multiple collectors could be used, each servicing a respective one of the tanks to speed up the cleaning times. However using multiple collectors would further increase the pumping, labour and capital costs.

[0003] Further, due to the large distances the water would need to travel, the water released from the collector at one end of the tank would lose much of the energy needed to dislodge, or flush, any waste material as it approaches the far opposite end of the tank. In fact, due the large distances the water would need to travel, much of the waste material from the first half of the tank would be carried by the water and to the second half of the tank where they would settle. As a result, there would be large amounts of waste material left in the areas at or near the far opposite end of the tank, particularly in the second half of the tank. Multiple flush cycles, typically up to about 40 cycles, would be required to sufficiently dislodge any waste material from the tank. A manual sweeping operation would also typically need to be performed, particularly in the second half of the tank, to remove any remaining waste material.

[0004] In this context, there is a need for a cleaning system that provided more effective cleaning of an aquaculture tank or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning system for an aquaculture tank, the cleaning system being locatable along a length of the aquaculture tank, the cleaning system including: a collector arrangement for collecting fluid used for cleaning the aquaculture tank, the collector arrangement being configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement on the aquaculture tank in a first direction and configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement on the aquaculture tank in a second direction, different from the first direction.

[0006] The collector arrangement preferably has a first configuration in which the collector arrangement releases fluid on the aquaculture tank in the first direction; and a second configuration in which the collector arrangement releases fluid onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction. The collector arrangement preferably assumes either one of the first configuration or the second configuration at a time. For example, while the collector arrangement releases fluid in one of the first or second direction, substantially no fluid is released in the other of the first or second direction.

[0007] The first direction is preferably opposite to the second direction. The first direction and second direction may be along the length of the aquaculture tank. Where the cleaning system is substantially centrally located along the length of the aquaculture tank, fluid released from the cleaning system in the first direction substantially covers a first half of the aquaculture tank and fluid released from the cleaning system in the second direction substantially covers a second half of the aquaculture tank.

[0008] The aquaculture tank includes one or more tanks for aquaculture, and the cleaning system is traversable from one tank to a next tank. The aquaculture system preferably includes a rail transverse to the length of the aquaculture tank, the cleaning system being engagable with the rail such that the cleaning system is moveable along the rail and being positionable relative to a respective one of the tanks to release fluid into the respective tank.

[0009] In an embodiment, the collector arrangement preferably includes at least one tipper for collecting fluid, the at least one tipper being tippable to release fluid in the first or second direction when it accumulates a volume of fluid. For example, upon the tipper being at least about 75% full with the fluid, the tipper tips the fluid onto the aquaculture tank. In other examples, upon the tipper being at least about 90% full with the fluid, the tipper tips fluid onto the aquaculture tank. Upon the tipper releasing fluid, the tipper returns to a position to collect fluid. The collector arrangement may include a first tipper and a second tipper, the first tipper and second tipper being tippable in different directions corresponding to the first and second directions respectively. For example, the first tipper is tippable in a direction corresponding to the first direction, and the second tipper is tippable in a direction corresponding to the second direction. The first and second tippers are preferably arranged such that they are tippable to release fluid away from each other. Alternatively, the first and second tippers may be arranged such that they are tippable to release fluid towards each other. [0010] In another embodiment, the collector arrangement includes a chamber for containing the fluid, the cleaning system including a valve arrangement that is operable to release fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the first direction and operable to release fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction. The chamber preferably has one or more outlet portions through which fluid in the chamber can be discharged onto the aquaculture tank, and the valve arrangement is configured to control a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank through the outlet portion/ s) in the first direction or in the second direction. The chamber may include a first outlet portion through which fluid is dischargeable from the chamber in the first direction and a second outlet portion through which fluid is dischargeable from the chamber in the second direction. The outlet portion may be located at about 2.0m from a surface of the aquaculture tank. Preferably, the outlet portion is located at least about 0.5m from the surface of the aquaculture tank. Further preferably, the outlet portion is located about 1.0m from the surface of the aquaculture tank.

[0011] The cleaning system preferably further includes a first guide portion for guiding a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the first direction, and a second guide portion for guiding a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction. Each guide portion has an end discharge portion that may be at an angle of up to about 30° to a surface of the aquaculture tank. Preferably, the end discharge portion of each guide portion may be at an angle of at least about 5° to the surface of the aquaculture tank. Further preferably, the end discharge portion of each guide portion may be at an angle of between about 10° and 20° inclusive to the surface of the aquaculture tank. The guide portion may span a length of the chamber and may have a width of up to about 250mm. Preferably, the width of the of the guide portion is at least about 100mm. Further preferably, the width of the guide portion is about 150mm.

[0012] The valve arrangement preferably includes one or more sleeve portions, the or each sleeve portion being coupled to the outlet portion(s), wherein a passage of fluid through the or each sleeve portion is constrictable. The sleeve portion may be deformable to constrict the passage of fluid therethrough. Preferably, the sleeve portion is made from a resiliently deformable material. By way of example, the sleeve portion is made from a polyvinyl material or a gasket. The valve arrangement preferably includes: a first sleeve portion through which fluid from the chamber is dischargeable onto the tank in the first direction, a second sleeve portion through which fluid is dischargeable from the chamber onto the tank in the second direction, a first arm arrangement operatively coupled to the first sleeve portion and actuatable to restrict the passage of fluid through the first sleeve portion, and a second arm arrangement operatively coupled to the second sleeve portion and actuatable to restrict the passage of fluid through the second sleeve portion.

[0013] Preferably, a release of fluid from the collector arrangement in the first direction occurs at a different time from a release of fluid from the collector arrangement in the second direction. Preferably, where the collector arrangement has first and second tippers that each have a first position to collect fluid and a second position to release collected fluid, while one of the tippers is in the first position, the other tipper is in the second position. Alternatively, a release of fluid from the collector arrangement may occur simultaneously in the first and second directions.

[0014] The collector arrangement may be arranged or configured to release fluid collected thereby onto the cleaning arrangement from height. For example, the collector arrangement is arranged or configured to release fluid collected thereby from a height of at least about 0.1m from a surface of the aquaculture tank onto which the fluid is released. In other examples, the collector arrangement is arranged or configured to release fluid from a height of at least about 0.3m from the surface of the aquaculture tank. In yet a further example, the collector arranged is arranged or configured to release fluid from a height of about 1.5m from the surface of the aquaculture tank. In another example, the collector arrangement is arranged or configured to release fluid from a height of about between about 0.8m and 2.0m from the surface of the aquaculture tank.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning system for an aquaculture tank, the cleaning system including an outlet portion for releasing a fluid used for cleaning the aquaculture tank, the outlet portion being located at height from a surface of the aquaculture tank onto which the fluid is released.

[0016] The cleaning system according to this aspect may include features of the cleaning system of the aspect described previously above.

[0017] The cleaning system may further include a collector arrangement for collecting the fluid, the collector arrangement being configurable to release the fluid onto the aquaculture tank, wherein a mouth of the collector arrangement from which the fluid is released corresponds to the outlet portion.

[0018] The outlet portion may, for example, be located to release fluid from a height of at least about 0.3m from the surface of the aquaculture tank. In yet a further example, the outlet portion is located to release fluid from a height of about 1.5m from the surface of the aquaculture tank. The outlet portion is preferably located to release fluid from a height of between about 0.8m and 2.0m.

[0019] The cleaning system may further include a diverter arrangement arranged below the outlet portion, the diverter arrangement being arranged or configured to direct a flow of fluid along a direction of the aquaculture tank.

[0020] According to a further aspect, there is provided a cleaning system for an aquaculture tank, the cleaning system including: an outlet portion for releasing fluid used for cleaning the aquaculture tank; and a diverter arrangement arranged below the outlet portion for directing fluid from the outlet portion along a direction of the aquaculture tank.

[0021] The cleaning system according to this aspect may include features of the cleaning system of the aspect described previously above.

[0022] The diverter arrangement preferably includes a first diverter and a second diverter, the first and second diverters being arranged or configured to direct fluid in different directions. The first diverter and the second diverter preferably converge towards each other, towards the aquaculture tank.

[0023] Preferably, the cleaning system includes an energy chain for delivering power for operating the cleaning system as the cleaning system moves laterally the aquaculture tank to adjacent aquaculture tank(s). The energy chain preferably includes one or more conduits for delivering fluid to the collector arrangement. The cleaning system preferably further includes a feeder system for providing feed to the aquaculture tank, wherein the energy chain may be additionally configured to provide power for operating the feeder system.

[0024] The cleaning system may include a feeder system for providing feed to the aquaculture tank.

[0025] The feeder system is preferably configured to distribute the feed along a length of the aquaculture tank. The feeder system preferably includes a hopper for containing the feed. The feeder system preferably includes a feed-delivery device and a plurality of spreader heads through which feed can be provided onto the aquaculture tank, wherein the feed-delivery device is for conveying the feed released from the hopper to the plurality of spreader heads. By way of example, the feed-delivery device includes a blower or a fan. Preferably, the feeder system includes a plurality of distribution heads, each distribution head being in communication with a set of spreader heads, wherein the feed-delivery device distributes the feed from the hopper to a respective one of the distribution heads, which is spreads the received feed onto the aquaculture tank via associated spreader heads that are in communication with the respective one of the distribution heads. The feeder system preferably includes a first distribution head and an associated first set of spreader heads for covering a first half of the tank, and a second distribution head and an associated second set of spreader heads for covering a second half of the tank. The feeder system is preferably operable to provide the feed to the aquaculture tank after the collector arrangement releases fluid in the first direction and/or in the second direction.

[0026] A weir system for an aquaculture tank, the weir system including weir having a raised configuration to maintain a fluid level in the aquaculture tank at a first level and a lowered configuration to reduce the fluid level in the aquaculture tank. [0027] Preferably, when the weir is in the raised configuration, an application of force onto the weir causes the weir to assume the lowered configuration. The application of force may be, for example, by a wave a fluid from a cleaning system for cleaning the aquaculture tank. The cleaning system may include the cleaning system described previously above.

[0028] Preferably, the weir is configured to assume the lower configuration in response to a cleaning operation by a cleaning system. The cleaning system may include the cleaning system described previously above.

[0029] An aquaculture system including the cleaning system described previously above.

[0030] An aquaculture system including the weir system described previously above.

Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the cleaning system according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a sectional side view of the cleaning system according to Figure 1;

Figures 4A and 4B show sectional side views of the cleaning system according to Figure 1 in different configurations;

Figures 5 A and 5B show the weir system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 6A to 6E show a mechanism for operating a weir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7A and 7B shows a perspective view and sectional side detailed view of a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 8A to 8C show side sectional views of the cleaning system according to Figures 7A and 7B in different configurations; and

Figure 9 shows a side view of a feeder system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a cleaning system 100 for an aquaculture system 200. The aquaculture system 200 has a plurality of tanks 220a, 220b, 220c arranged as a series of tracks or lanes. The tanks are concrete raceway or a slab tank. The cleaning system 100 is locatable relative to the tanks to clean the tanks. Each tank may be used in aquaculture farming including for farming abalone or shellfish. The tanks are arranged in rows. Each tank is separated from an adjacent tank by a wall arrangement 240. Each tank has a length of between about 15m and 30m inclusive, most commonly about 20m. Each tank has a width of between about 2.0m and 3.0m inclusive, most commonly about 2.5m. Each tank has a depth of up to about 0.10m, most commonly between about 0.03m and 0.05m.

[0033] The aquaculture system 200 has a rail arrangement 300 that extends transversely across the tanks 220a, 220b, 220c. The rail arrangement 300 is mounted on the wall arrangement 240 of the tanks. The rail arrangement 300 in this embodiment has two rails. In other embodiments, the rail arrangement has one rail or more than two rails. The cleaning system 100 is coupled to the rail arrangement 300 and is configured to move along the rail arrangement from one tank to another tank. For example, the cleaning system 100 may be coupled to the rail arrangement 300 in a track-and-wheel arrangement. The rail arrangement 300 is located centrally relative to the tracks 220a, 220b, 220c such that the cleaning system 100, when mounted on the rail arrangement 300, is located substantially at midpoint on the tank. The rail arrangement 300 may be part of the cleaning system 100. Alternatively, the rail arrangement 300 may be part of the aquaculture system 200. The cleaning system may be manually located between the different tanks.

[0034] A fluid dispensing system 400 is located above the cleaning system 100. The fluid dispensing system 400 is for dispensing fluid into the cleaning system located below the fluid dispensing system 400. The fluid is water. The fluid dispensing system 400 contains a series of pipes for conveying water from a water source to outlets in the dispensing system 400 for dispensing fluid. The fluid dispensing system includes a valve arrangement for controlling a flow of water through the pipes and/or outlets. The valve arrangement is operated to cause water to be dispensed via selected outlets in the fluid dispensing system when the cleaning system 100 is located below those selected outlets. The fluid dispensing system 400 may be part of the cleaning system 100. Alternatively, the fluid dispensing system may be part of the aquaculture system 200.

[0035] The cleaning system 100 is configured or arranged to clean one tank 220a, 220b, 220c at a time. In particular, the cleaning system 100 has a width corresponding to a width of a tank. The cleaning system 100 has a frame arrangement for resting on wall arrangements of a respective tank. A location of the cleaning system 100 on the rail arrangement 300 is adjustable such that the cleaning system 100 is in line with a respective one of the tanks. In other embodiments, the cleaning system 100 is configured or arrange to clean two or more tanks at a time.

[0036] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the cleaning system 100 has a collector arrangement 120 for collecting fluid used for cleaning the tank. The collector arrangement is configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement on the tank in a first direction Di and configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement on the tank in a second direction D₂, different from the first direction D₂. The first direction Di and the second direction D₂ are opposite to each other. The first direction Di and second direction D₂ are along the length of the tank. As the cleaning system 100 is substantially centrally located along the length of the tank, fluid released from the cleaning system 100 in the first direction Di would substantially cover a first half of the tank, while fluid released from the cleaning system 100 in the second direction D ₂ would substantially cover a second half of the tank. In particular, the fluid released from the cleaning system 100 in the first direction Di would cover a first half having a length of about 7m to 15m, while the fluid released from the cleaning system 100 in the second direction D₂ would cover a second half having a length of about 7m to 15m. Each half may have a length of about 12m. As the collector arrangement is located along a length of the tank, e.g. substantially at a midpoint of the tank, as opposed to conventional cleaning systems described in the Background section that are located at an end of the tank, the cleaning coverage by one wave of fluid from the collector arrangement is reduced. Thereby, the wave released from the collector arrangement in the first direction Di or in the second direction D₂ would carry sufficient energy dislodge or flush any waste material from the tanks of the aquaculture system. The fluid that is discharged from the collector arrangement forms a wave on the aquaculture tank acting towards an end of the aquaculture tank. The wave has a duration of at least about 5 seconds. Preferably, the duration of the wave from the collector arrangement towards the end of the aquaculture tank is about 10 seconds, up to about 20 seconds or up to about 30 seconds.

[0037] The collector arrangement 120 has two tippers 122, 124 for receiving and collecting fluid from the fluid dispensing system 400. A first one of the tippers 122 is tippable to release fluid in the first direction Di, while a second one of the tippers is tippable to release fluid in the second direction D₂. Each tipper 122, 124 has a capacity of between about 300L to 800L inclusive. Preferably, each tipper has a capacity of about 750L. Because the cleaning system is located centrally along a length of the tanks, the tippers would not need to perform as many tips of water compared to those conventional cleaning systems described previously above. Thereby, the cleaning process using preferred embodiments of the present invention would take less time and cleaning of the aquaculture farming system can be performed in more efficient manner.

[0038] The cleaning system 100 has a frame arrangement 110 (shown in Figure 3) to which each tipper 122, 124 is pivotably coupled. Each tipper 122, 124 is pivotable about a respective pivot axis Pi, P2 between a collecting position to collect fluid from the fluid dispensing system and a dispensing position to dispense fluid collected by the tipper onto the tank. The first and second tippers 122, 124 are arranged such that they are tippable to release fluid away from each other. In particular, each tipper has a mouth portion (or outlet portion) from which the fluid collected thereby can be released and the tippers 122, 124 are located such that the mouth portion of the first tipper 122 and the mouth portion of the second tipper 124 are located on opposite sides of the pivot axes Pi, P2 of the two tippers. In other embodiments, the first and second tippers may be arranged such that they are tippable to release fluid towards each other. In these other embodiments, the tippers are located such that the mouth portion of the first tipper and the mouth portion of the second tipper are located between the pivot axes of the two tippers. In still other embodiments, the first and second tippers may be tippable in the same direction, and the cleaning system has a diverter plate for directing fluid released from one or both of the tippers in the first direction and/or the second direction. In further other embodiments, the collector arrangement may have one tipper for collecting fluid that is tippable in a forward direction for releasing fluid in the first direction and tippable in a rearward direction for releasing fluid in the second direction. In still further embodiments, the collector arrangement may have more than two tippers, wherein one half, or one section, of the tank can be serviced by at least two tippers to provide more regular flushing for that half, or that section.

[0039] Each respective tipper 122, 124, is biased to return to the collecting position. Each tipper 122, 124 has a weighted side portion away from the mouth portion of the respective tipper. The weighted portion acts as a counterbalance to return the respective tipper 122, 124 to the collecting position when the tipper is substantially empty. As a respective one of the tippers 122, 124, when in the collecting position, is filled with fluid, a centre-of-gravity of the tipper with the collected fluid moves beyond the respective pivot axis Pi, P2 thereby causing the respective tipper to assume the dispensing position to tip the fluid collected thereby onto the tank. Once the respective tipper 122, 124 has tipped out, or dispensed, the fluid collected by the respective tipper, the weighted portion of the respective tipper returns the tipper to the collecting position. Each respective tipper 122, 124 may for example assume a dispensing position from a collecting position upon the respective tipper being at least about 75% full with the fluid, preferably at least about 90% full.

[0040] A release of fluid from the collector arrangement 120 in the first direction occurs at a different time from a release of fluid from the collector arrangement in the second direction. In particular, the tippers 122, 124 are configured to assume their respective dispensing position at different times from each other such that both tippers do not assume their respective dispensing position at the same time thereby avoiding any interference between a wave of fluid from the first tipper 122 and a wave of fluid from the second tipper 124. A wave of fluid from either the first tipper 122 or the second tipper 124 is therefore substantially uninterrupted by the other tipper. The tipping of the tippers 122, 124 alternates, at least once, from one tipper to the other tipper. In preferred embodiments, the tipping of the tippers 122, 124 alternates such that each tipper assumes the dispensing position from the collecting position up to 20 times for one tank, preferably about 10 times. A respective tipper assuming the dispensing position from the collecting position and returning back to the collecting position corresponds to one flush cycle. Due to the arrangement and configuration of the cleaning system according to preferred embodiment of the inventions, the cleaning requires fewer flush cycles from the cleaning system compared to the conventional cleaning systems that would require up to 40 flush cycles.

[0041] The tippers 122, 124 are positioned such that they are located at height from a tank of the aquaculture tank 200. The tippers 122, 124 are located to release fluid from a height of at least about 0.1m, preferably at least about 0.3m from a surface of the tank, about 1.5m from a surface of the tank, further preferably from a height of between about 0.8m and 2.0m inclusive. In particular, when a respective tipper 122, 124 is in a dispensing position, the mouth portion (or outlet portion) of the respective tipper is about 0.8m and 1.2m from the tank. By releasing the fluid collected by the respective tipper from height according to preferred embodiments of the invention, the fluid contains more potential energy that can be utilised for dislodging or removing waste material from the tank.

[0042] The cleaning system 100 further includes a diverter arrangement 140 for directing fluid from the collector arrangement 120 onto the tanks. The diverter arrangement is arranged below the tippers 122, 124, and in particular below the mouth portion of the respective tippers 122, 124. The diverter arrangement is for directing a flow of fluid along a length of the aquaculture tank, either in the first direction Di or in the second direction D₂. The diverter arrangement prevents or substantially reduces and backwash in fluid released from the collector arrangement 120.

[0043] The diverter arrangement 140 has a first diverter 142 and a second diverter 144. Each of the first and second diverters 142, 144 having a plate portion 142a, 144a for guiding the fluid onto the tank and two sidewall portions 142b, 144b at opposite sides of the plate portion for trapping/containing the fluid therebetween. Each diverter 142, 144 is coupled to the frame arrangement 110 such that an uppermost portion of the diverter 142, 144 is at or substantially near an elevation where the tippers 122, 124 are located and the diverter extends downwardly from the uppermost portion toward the tank of the aquaculture system. There is a sufficient gap between a lowermost portion of each respective diverter 142, 144 and the tank so as to substantially not interfere with a wave of fluid on the tank travelling pass the respective diverter, from the other diverter. The first and second diverters 142, 144 are arranged or configured to direct fluid in different directions. In particular, the first diverter 142 is located below the first tipper 122 for diverting fluid in the first direction along the length of the tank. The second diverter 144 is located below the second tipper 142 for diverting fluid in the second direction D₂ along the length of the tank. Each of the first diverter 142 and the second diverter 144 is angled so as to prevent the fluid from flowing in an opposite direction. In particular, the first and second diverters 142, 144 converge towards each other, towards the aquaculture tank such that a spacing between the uppermost portions of the diverters 142, 144 is greater than a spacing between the lowermost portions of the diverters 144.

[0044] Figures 4A and 4B show different configurations of the collector arrangement of the cleaning system 100 for cleaning a tank 220b.

[0045] Referring to Figure 4A, in a first configuration, when the first tipper 122 in its collecting position collects sufficient fluid from the fluid dispensing system 400, the first tipper 122 assumes its dispensing position to release fluid into the first diverter plate 142, which directs the fluid onto the tank in a first direction Di. Meanwhile, the second tipper 144 is in its collecting position receiving fluid from the fluid dispensing system.

[0046] Referring to Figure 4B, in a second configuration, when the second tipper 124 in its collecting position collects sufficient fluid from the fluid dispensing system 400, the second tipper 124 assumes its dispensing position to release fluid into the second diverter plate 144, which directs the fluid onto the tank in a second direction D2. Meanwhile, the first tipper 142 is in its collecting position receiving fluid from the fluid dispensing system.

[0047] When the cleaning system 100 has performed a desired number of flush cycles on a tank, the cleaning system 100 moves to another tank for cleaning.

[0048] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the aquaculture system 200' includes weir system 500. Unless otherwise described, the aquaculture system 200' has features identical to features of the aquaculture system 200 above. The aquaculture system 200' also has a cleaning system 100 according to the embodiment described above. In other embodiments however, the aquaculture system may have a different or conventional cleaning system. Each tank of the aquaculture system has a weir 520 substantially at or near a respective end of the tank. The weirs of one tank are independent of the weirs of any adjacent tanks. The aquaculture system 200' includes a drain 260' adjacent to each end the tank for receiving excess fluid from the tank.

[0049] Each weir 520 is height-adjustable. In particular, each weir 520 has a raised configuration (shown in Figure 5A) to maintain a fluid level in the tank at a first level and a lowered configuration (shown in Figure 5B) to reduce the fluid level in the aquaculture tank and to allow the fluid to escape the tank. The first level defines a normal level of fluid required for farming operations. For example, the first level may be up to about 0.10m, preferably between about 0.03m and 0.05m.

[0050] The weir 520 is plate that is pivotably mounted to the respective tank such that the plate is pivotable between the raised configuration and the lowered configuration. The weir 520 assumes a substantially vertical, or upright, orientation when the weir is in the raised configuration and assumes a substantially horizontal position when the weir is in the lowered configuration.

[0051] When the weir 520 is in the raised configuration, an application of force onto the weir 520 causes the weir 520 to assume the lowered configuration. The application of force is provided by a wave a fluid from the cleaning system described previously above. The weir 520 is biased to the raised configuration such that once the force is removed from the weir that forces it to the lowered configuration, the weir 520 returns to the raised configuration. The weir 520 in particular is coupled to a biasing element 540 or a weighted element for pulling the weir back to the substantially vertical or upright orientation. The biasing element 540 is locatable in a region in the tank away from the drain 260', such that the weir is between the region and the drain. The application of force on the weir 520 pushes the weir in a forward direction towards the drain causing the weir to drop and fluid to be released into the drain. The biasing element on the other hand pulls the weir 520 in a rearward direction away from the drain 260' causing the weir to assume the upright position to maintain fluid level in the tank.

[0052] A mechanism 600 of the present invention for controlling the arrangement or configuration of the weir 520 for an aquaculture tank 200" is shown in Figures 6A to 6E. Unless otherwise described, the aquaculture system 200" has features identical to features of the aquaculture system 200 above. The aquaculture system 200" also has a cleaning system 100 according to the embodiment described above. In other embodiments however, the aquaculture system may have a different or conventional cleaning system.

[0053] The mechanism 600 has a pipe arrangement 620 for receiving a portion of the fluid from the aquaculture tank. The pipe arrangement in particular has an inlet portion 622 having an inlet for receiving water from the aquaculture tank and a body portion 624 in fluid communication with the inlet portion. The inlet portion 622 of the pipe arrangement branches off from the body portion 624. The body portion 624 is an elongate portion that is located such that it is substantially upstanding relative to the aquaculture tank 200". The inlet portion 622 is located transverse to the upstanding body portion 624. The pipe arrangement 620 is located in a space adjacent to the end of the aquaculture tank 200". In particular, the pipe arrangement is located in or adjacent to a drain of the aquaculture tank

[0054] With reference to Figures 6B to 6E, the body portion 624 houses a trapping member 640. The trapping member 640 has mouth portion for receiving fluid from the inlet portion of the pipe arrangement, and one or more apertures (not shown) in its wall portion and/or base portion for allowing a slow release, or slow escape, of fluid received by the trapping member 640. Fluid enters and is received by the trapping member 640 via the mouth portion, located at an upper section of the weighted member. The received fluid is slowly released, or escapes, the trapping member 640 via the aperture(s) located at an intermediate or lower section of the trapping member. The trapping member 640 is in the form of a cup. In other examples, the trapping member may be in the form of another vessel that can receive fluid and slowly release fluid, or a piston-arrangement.

[0055] The trapping member 640 has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the body portion 624 of the pipe arrangement 620. In one example, a wall portion of the weighted member abut a wall portion of the body portion such that there is substantially no gap or space between wall portions of the trapping member and the body portion. Alternatively, wall portions of the trapping member is spaced apart from the wall portion of the body portion.

[0056] The trapping member 640 is moveable along a length of the body portion. In particular, when the trapping member does not contain any fluid, the trapping member is at a, higher, first location in the body portion of the pipe arrangement (as shown in Figures 6B and 6D) and when the trapping member receives fluid, the weighted member is at a, lower, second location in the body portion (as shown in Figures 6C and 6E). The second position is lower than the first position. The trapping member 640 is biased towards the first position by way of a counterbalance in the form of a weighted member that will be discussed in further detail below. As fluid received by the trapping member 640 is slowly released, or slowly escapes, from the trapping member 640 via the aperture(s), the weighted member 640 returns to the, higher, first position. The time taken by the trapping member 640 to return from the, lowered, second position to the, higher, first position corresponds to the time taken for the weir from transition from a lowered configuration to an upright configuration.

[0057] The mechanism 600 has an arm 660 that is coupled to the weir 520. The arm 660 is moveable in a forward direction and rearward direction depending on the position of the weir 520. In particular, a lowered configuration of the weir 520 (shown in Figures 6C and 6E) corresponds to an arm movement in a rearward direction, while an upright configuration of the weir 520 (shown in Figures 6B and 6D) corresponds to an arm movement in a forward direction. The arm 660 is biased such that the arm 660 returns the weir 520 to the upright configuration.

[0058] The arm 660 is coupled to a weighted member 680 for biasing the arm 660 to return the weir 520 to the upright configuration. The weighted member 680 is pivotably coupled to the arm 660 and is movable between a first position and a second position based on a location of the trapping member 640 in the body portion 624 and movement of the arm 660. A rearward movement of the arm 660 (as shown in Figure 6E) corresponds to a pivoting of the weighted member 680 in an upward direction, while a forward movement of the arm (as shown in Figure 6D) corresponds to a pivoting of the weighted member 680 in a downward direction. The second position is lower than the first position. The arm 660 is also coupled to the trapping member 640. The mechanism 600 has a pulley arrangement 690 (as shown in Figures 6D and 6E) for suspending the trapping portion 640 in the body portion 624 of the pipe arrangement. The pulley cable has one end that is coupled to the trapping portion 640 and another end that is coupled to the arm 660. The weighted member 680 acts as a counterbalance to the trapping member 640 and biases the arm 660 in the forward direction. When the trapping member 640 is in the lower second position, the weighted member 680 is the higher first position and when the trapping member 640 is in the higher first position, the weighted member 680 is in the lower second position.

[0059] An application of force on the weir 520, e.g. which may be provided by a wave a fluid from the cleaning system described previously above, causes the weir 520 to assume the lowered configuration. The movement of the weir 520 from the substantially upright configuration to the lowered configuration causes the arm 660 of the mechanism to move in the rearward direction thereby causing, with reference to figures 6C and 6E, the trapping member 640 located inside the body portion 624 of the pipe arrangement to move towards the, lower, second position. The movement of the arm in the rearward direction also causes the weighted member 680 to assume the, higher, first position. A portion of this fluid from the aquaculture tank enters the pipe arrangement via the inlet portion 622 and into the trapping member 640 in the body portion of the pipe arrangement. A combined weight of the trapping member 640 and the volume of fluid initially received by the trapping member 640 outweighs the weighted member 680, thereby keeping the weighted member 640 in its higher, first position. As fluid escapes from the trapping member 640 via the aperture(s), the combined weight of the member portion 640 and any volume of fluid received by the trapping portion 640 decreases to the extent that the combined weight becomes less than the weight of the weighted member 680. Thereby, with reference to Figures 6B and 6D, the weighted member 680 will return to the, lower, second position. As the weighted member 680 transitions from the, higher, first position to the, lower, second position, the arm 660 is urged in a forward direction to return the weir 520 to the generally upright position. At least by adjusting a weight of the weighted member 680, a time delay of the weir assuming the upright configuration from the lowered configuration can be adjusted accordingly.

[0060] Figures 7A and 7B show a cleaning system 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention for an aquaculture system. The aquaculture system 200 has a rail arrangement 300 that extends transversely across the aquaculture tanks 220a, 220b, 220c. The rail arrangement 300 is mounted on the wall arrangement that separates the tanks. The rail arrangement includes an energy chain 320 that includes a plurality of conduits for power and water delivery. In particular, the plurality of conduits includes a first conduit for providing power for operating the cleaning system 700, a second conduit for providing power for operating a feeder system (described with reference to Figure 9), and a third conduit for providing water (or fluid) to the collector arrangement of the cleaning system 700. The energy chain, when fully extended, spans a combined width of the tanks of the aquaculture system. In other embodiments, the energy chain when fully extended, spans a combined width of up to about 3 tanks, or a combined width of up to about 5 tanks, or a combined width of up to about 10 tanks. The energy chain is flexible such that the energy chain is foldable rearwardly onto itself (as shown in Figure 7A) along the length of the energy chain depending on the location of the cleaning system relative to the aquaculture tanks 200a, 200b, 200c. The energy chain includes a plurality of links coupled to each other to form a channel through which the conduits extend. Each link is pivotable relative to an adjacent link to allow for the energy chain to fold and unfold as the cleaning system is moved from tank to tank.

[0061] The cleaning system 700 has a collector arrangement 720 in the form of a chamber (housing or reservoir) for collecting water delivered via the energy chain. The collector arrangement 720 is located substantially midway along a length of the aquaculture tank. The collector has a capacity of about 2,800L. In other examples, the chamber may have a capacity of more than 1,500L, more than 2,000L, or up to about 3,500L. In contrast to the collector arrangements previously described, the collector arrangement 700 does not tip to release water collected thereby onto the collection tank. Instead, the cleaning system includes a valve arrangement that is coupled to outlet portions of the collector arrangement 720 to release water collected thereby in the first direction Di or in the second direction D₂. The fluid that is discharged from the collector arrangement forms a wave on the aquaculture tank acting towards an end of the aquaculture tank. The wave has a duration of at least about 5 seconds. Preferably, the duration of the wave from the collector arrangement towards the end of the aquaculture tank is about 10 seconds, up to about 20 seconds or up to about 30 seconds.

[0062] With reference to Figure 7B, the collector arrangement 720 has two outlet portions 722, 724 through which fluid in the chamber can be selectively discharged onto the aquaculture tank. The outlet portions 722, 724 are located at or near the base of the collector arrangement 720. The valve arrangement, which is comprised of sleeve portions 762, 764 and arm arrangements 782, 784, is configured to control a discharge of fluid from the collector arrangement 720 onto the aquaculture tank through a respective one of the outlet portions 722, 724 in the first direction or in the second direction. Water from the collector arrangement 720 is dischargeable in the first direction via a first outlet portion 722 and is dischargeable in the second direction via a second outlet portion 724. The outlet portion is located about 1.0m from the surface of the aquaculture tank. However, in other embodiments, the outlet portions can be raised or lowered relative to the tank. By way of example, the outlet portions may be located at about 2.0m from a surface of the aquaculture tank or at least about 0.5m from the surface of the aquaculture tank.

[0063] The valve arrangement for controlling a discharge of water from the collector arrangement 720 includes a first sleeve portion 762 coupled to the first outlet portion 722 through which fluid from the chamber is dischargeable onto the tank in the first direction, a second sleeve portion 764 coupled to the second outlet portion 724 through which fluid is dischargeable from the chamber onto the tank in the second direction, a first arm arrangement 782 operatively coupled to the first sleeve portion and actuatable to restrict the passage of fluid through the first sleeve portion, and a second arm arrangement 784 operatively coupled to the second sleeve portion and actuatable to restrict the passage of fluid through the second sleeve portion. Each sleeve portion 762, 764 may be a sock portion or a diaphragm or has one or more bladder walls, for example, that is constrictable to restrict a flow of water therethrough. In particular, the sleeve portion is comprised of spaced apart wall portions that define a channel therebetween for a passage of fluid, the passage being constrictable to restrict the flow of water. The sleeve portion may be made from a resiliently deformable material. By way of example, the sleeve portion is made from a polyvinyl material or a gasket. The sleeve portions are each configurable in an open configuration to allow a passage of fluid therethrough and in a closed configuration to prevent the passage of fluid. In addition, the sleeve portions may also be configured in a partially open (or partially closed) configuration to adjust the rate of flow of water through the sleeve portion. In Figure 7B, the first sleeve portion 762 is shown in the open configuration, while the second sleeve portion 764 is shown in the closed configuration.

[0064] The first arm arrangement 782 includes a pair of arm (or jaw) portions that are adjustable to squeeze, clamp, pinch, or constrict the first sleeve portion 762 to thereby control the flow of water from the collector arrangement 720 therethrough. Similarly, the second arm arrangement 784 includes a pair of arm (or jaw) portions that squeeze of constrict the second sleeve portion 782 to thereby control the flow of water from the collector arrangement 720 therethrough. The arm portions of the arm arrangements are positioned on opposite sides of the sleeve portion. In other examples, each arm arrangement may include a single arm portion that is adjustable to control the flow of fluid through a respective outlet portion. In this example, the arm portion may be adjustable to press against a flexible wall portion of the sleeve portion towards a fixed wall portion on an opposite side to control a passage of fluid through the sleeve portion. In yet other examples, each arm arrangement may include a gate portion located within the sleeve portion that is adjustable between an open configuration to allow for fluid through the sleeve portion and a closed configuration to restrict fluid flow through the sleeve portion.

[0065] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 7A and 7B, when a fluid flow through a respective one of the sleeve portions is desired to be restricted, the arm portions of the arm arrangement associated with that sleeve portion are operable to assume a closed position to squeeze the walls of the sleeve portion together thereby constricting the sleeve portion to prevent a flow of fluid therethrough. In the closed position, the arm portions of the arm arrangement move inwardly relative towards each other. When the arm portions assume the open position, that is the arms are moved outwardly relative towards each other, the sleeve portion would return to a normal (open or un constricted) configuration, due to the resilient deformable nature of the sleeve portion, to allow for water flow therethrough. In addition or alternatively, when the arm portions assume the open position, water from the collector arrangement would force the sleeve portion open, thereby returning the sleeve portion to the normal (open or un-constricted) configuration. The cleaning system includes linkages 732, 734 that are coupled to the first arm arrangement 782 and the second arm arrangement 784. The linkages are operable to control the configuration of the first and second arm arrangements. In particular, each linkage has a first elongate portion that is pivotably coupled to one arm portion of the arm arrangement and a second elongate portion that is pivotably coupled to the other arm portion. Each linkage further includes a body portion to which the first and second elongate portions are pivotably coupled, the body portion being pivotable relative to the collector arrangement between a first position in which the arm portions are pivoted outwardly away from each other (defining an open configuration for the sleeve portion) and a second position in which the arms portions are pivoted inwardly towards each other (defining a closed configuration for the sleeve portion).

[0066] The first and second sleeve portions 762, 764 lead to respective first and second guide portions 742, 744. In particular, each of the first and second guide portions define a channel through which fluid can pass, the passage through the first and second sleeve portions being in fluid communication with the channel of the respective first and second guide portions. The sleeve portions lead into a mouth or inlet portion of a respective guide portion. A free end portion of the sleeve portion is located inside the respective guide portion, while an opposite end portion of the sleeve portion that is coupled to the respective outlet portion is located outside the guide portion. The first guide portion 742 is for guiding a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the first direction, while the second guide portion 744 is for guiding a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction. When the first sleeve portion is in a normal (open or un constricted) configuration, the water from the collector arrangement 720 would flow from the first outlet portion 722 onto the aquaculture tank via the first guide portion. Similarly, when the second sleeve portion is in a normal configuration, the water from the collector arrangement 740 would flow from the second outlet portion 724 onto the aquaculture tank via the second guide portion. The sleeve portions and guide portions span a length of the collector arrangement. Each guide portion has a substantially vertical elongate body portion coupled or cooperable with the sleeve portion an end discharge portion from the elongate body portion that is about 10° to the surface of the aquaculture tank. In other examples, the end discharge portion may be at an angle of up to about 30° to a surface of the aquaculture tank, at least about 5° to the surface of the aquaculture tank, or between about 10° and 20° inclusive to the surface of the aquaculture tank. A width of the guide portion is about 150mm. In other examples, a width of the guide portion is up to about 250mm, or is at least about 100mm. The arm portions of the arm arrangement are locatable above a respective guide portion and are operable to constrict the sleeve portion in a region that is outside the guide portion, the region being preferably at or near an inlet portion of the respective guide portion. The arm arrangement in the closed position would substantially cover the inlet portion of the respective guide portion. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion may not be provided and the outlet portion discharges water directly to the guide portion, with the arm arrangement being coupled to the guide portion and operable to restrict a flow of fluid through the guide portion. In other embodiments, the sleeve portion and the guide portion may be part of a single continuous channel body.

[0067] Figures 8A to 8C show different configurations of the sleeve portions 782, 784 of the cleaning system 700. Initially, with reference to Figure 8A, the collector arrangement 720 is filled with water via the energy chain. In this configuration, both of the first and second arm arrangements 782, 784 are operable to constrict the first and second sleeve portions 762, 764 respectively to prevent water from escaping through the outlet portions and to allow for water to accumulate in the collector arrangement 720.

[0068] With reference to Figure 8B, once sufficient water has collected in the collector arrangement 720, which is about 2,800L in a preferred embodiment, the first arm arrangement 782 is operated to cause the first sleeve portion 762 to open thereby allowing the water stored by the collector arrangement to be discharged from the first outlet portion via the first guide portion 742 onto the aquaculture tank in the first direction Di. In this configuration, the second arm arrangement is configured to keep the second sleeve portion closed to prevent any water from escaping from the second outlet portion. Once all the water in the collector arrangement has been discharged, the first arm arrangement is operable to close the first sleeve portion, such that the cleaning system assumes the configuration shown in Figure 8A, to allow water to once again accumulate in the collector arrangement. Once sufficient water has accumulated in the collector arrangement, it can once again be discharged via the first guide portion 742. There may be multiple cycles or flushes in the first direction depending on the type of material in the aquaculture tank, based on operator feedback, and/or based on sensors that measure the conditions of the aquaculture tank.

[0069] With reference to Figure 8C, once sufficient water has collected in the collector arrangement 720, which is about 2,800L in a preferred embodiment, the second arm arrangement 784 is operated to cause the second sleeve portion 764 to open thereby allowing the water stored by the collector arrangement to be discharged from the second outlet portion via the second guide portion 744 onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction D₂. In this configuration, the first arm arrangement is configured to keep the first sleeve portion closed to prevent any water from escaping from the first outlet portion. Once all the water in the collector arrangement has been discharged, the second arm arrangement is operable to close the second sleeve portion, such that the cleaning system assumes the configuration shown in Figure 8A, to allow water to once again accumulate in the collector arrangement. Once sufficient water has accumulated in the collector arrangement, it can once again be discharged via the second guide portion 744. There may be multiple cycles or flushes in the second direction depending on the type of material in the aquaculture tank, based on operator feedback, and/or based on sensors that measure the conditions of the aquaculture tank. [0070] As described above, there may be multiple water discharge cycles from the collector arrangement in the first direction followed by multiple water discharge cycles from the collector arrangement in the second direction. In another configuration, discharge cycles in the first direction are interleaved with discharge cycles in the second direction.

[0071] Figure 9 shows a feeder system 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention for providing feed to the aquaculture tank. The energy chain, previously described, is configured to provide power for operating the feeder system. The feeder system is preferably configured to distribute the feed along a length of the aquaculture tank. The feeder system includes a first boom arm 812 and a second boom arm 824 that together substantially spans a length of the aquaculture tank.

[0072] The feeder system 800 includes a hopper 820 for containing the feed. The hopper is provided with a metering screw to control a discharge of feed from the hopper. The metering screw is located at an outlet of the hopper. The hopper is located in a chassis (or body) portion 816 from which the first and second boom arms 812, 814 extend.

[0073] The feeder system 800 further includes a feed-delivery device and a plurality of spreader heads through which feed can be provided onto the aquaculture tank, wherein the feed-delivery device is for conveying the feed released from the hopper to the plurality of spreader heads. By way of example, the feed-delivery device includes a blower or a fan. The feed-delivery device is also located in the chassis (or body) portion 816.

[0074] The feeder system 800 includes a plurality of distribution heads 842, 844, each distribution head being in communication with a set of spreader heads 862, 864. The feeder system 800 includes a pipe arrangement for communicating feed from the hopper 820 to the distribution heads 842, 844 and for communicating feed from the distribution heads to the associated spreader heads 862, 864. The feed- delivery device 816 distributes the feed from the hopper 820 to a respective one of the distribution heads 842, 844, which spreads the received feed onto the aquaculture tank via the spreader heads that are in communication with the respective one of the distribution heads. The feeder system 800 includes a first distribution head 842 and an associated first set of spreader heads 862 for covering a first half of the tank, and a second distribution head 844 and an associated second set of spreader heads 862 for covering a second half of the tank. The cleaning system includes a splitter that is operable to control a discharge of feed from the hopper to the first distribution head or to the second distribution head. The feeder system 800 is operable to provide the feed to the aquaculture tank after the collector arrangement releases fluid in the first direction and/or in the second direction.

[0075] The cleaning system according to any of the embodiments previously described may include a sensor arrangement for measuring one or more characteristics of the aquaculture tank and/or produce in the aquaculture tank. By way of example, the sensor arrangement includes sensors for measuring feed consumption of the produce in the aquaculture tank, tank biomass, produce performance (e.g. growth rates), and environmental parameters (e.g. flow rates, dissolved oxygen, water quality in the aquaculture tank). The sensor arrangement is in communication with a controller that is operable to control discharge of fluid from the collector arrangement and/or control delivery and ration of feed from the feeder system. Based on the measurements from the sensor arrangement, the controller may determine the number of discharge cycles from the collector arrangement required for the aquaculture tank. The sensor arrangement includes visual sensors (e.g. a camera), pH sensors, and flow meters for example. The sensors of the sensor arrangement may be provided on the aquaculture tank, on the chassis to which the collector arrangement is mounter, or on the feeder system.

[0076] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

[0077] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0078] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A cleaning system for an aquaculture tank, the cleaning system being locatable along a length of the aquaculture tank, the cleaning system including: a collector arrangement for collecting fluid used for cleaning the aquaculture tank, the collector arrangement being configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement in a first direction and configurable to release fluid collected by the collector arrangement in a second direction, different from the first direction.

2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the collector arrangement has: a first configuration in which the collector arrangement releases fluid on the aquaculture tank in a first direction; and a second configuration in which the collector arrangement releases fluid onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction.

3. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the collector arrangement assumes either one of the first configuration or the second configuration at a time.

4. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

5. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first direction and the second direction are along the length of the aquaculture tank.

6. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the collector arrangement includes at least one tipper for collecting fluid, the at least one tipper being tippable to release fluid in the first or second direction when it accumulates a volume of fluid.

7. The cleaning system of claim 6, wherein the collector arrangement includes a first tipper and a second tipper, the first tipper and second tipper being tippable in different directions corresponding to the first and second directions respectively.

8. The cleaning system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first tipper and second tipper are tippable away from each other.

9. The cleaning system of claim 1 to 5, wherein the collector arrangement includes a chamber for containing the fluid, the cleaning system including a valve arrangement that is operable to release fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the first direction and operable to release fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction.

10. The cleaning system of claim 9, wherein the chamber has one or more outlet portions through which fluid in the chamber can be discharged onto the aquaculture tank, and the valve arrangement is configured to control a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank through the outlet portion(s) in the first direction or in the second direction.

11. The cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the chamber includes a first outlet portion through which fluid is dischargeable from the chamber in the first direction and a second outlet portion through which fluid is dischargeable from the chamber in the second direction.

12. The cleaning system of any one of claims 9 to 11, further including a first guide portion for guiding a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the first direction, and a second guide portion for guiding a discharge of fluid from the chamber onto the aquaculture tank in the second direction.

13. The cleaning system of claim 12, wherein the end discharge portion of each guide portion is at an angle of up to about 30° to a surface of the aquaculture tank.

14. The cleaning system of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the valve arrangement includes one or more sleeve portions, the or each sleeve portion being coupled to the outlet portion/ s), wherein a passage of fluid through the or each sleeve portion is constrictable.

15. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein the sleeve portion is deformable to constrict the passage of fluid therethrough.

16. The cleaning system of claim 14 or 15, wherein the valve arrangement includes: a first sleeve portion through which fluid from the chamber is dischargeable onto the tank in the first direction, a second sleeve portion through which fluid is dischargeable from the chamber onto the tank in the second direction, a first arm arrangement operatively coupled to the first sleeve portion and actuatable to restrict the passage of fluid through the first sleeve portion, and a second arm arrangement operatively coupled to the second sleeve portion and actuatable to restrict the passage of fluid through the second sleeve portion.

17. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the collector arrangement is arranged or configured to release fluid collected thereby onto the cleaning arrangement from height.

18. A cleaning system for an aquaculture tank, the cleaning system including an outlet portion for releasing a fluid used for cleaning the aquaculture tank, the outlet portionbeing located at height from a surface of the aquaculture tank onto which the fluid is released.

19. The cleaning system of claim 18, further including a collector arrangement for collecting the fluid, the collector arrangement being configurable to release the fluid onto the aquaculture tank, wherein a mouth of the collector arrangement from which the fluid is released corresponds to the outlet portion.

20. The cleaning system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the outlet portion is located to release fluid from a height of at least about 0. lm, or at least about 0.3m from the surface of the aquaculture tank.

21. The cleaning system of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the outlet portion is located to release fluid from a height of between about 0.8m and 2.0m.

22. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 21, further including a diverter arrangement arranged below the outlet portion, the diverter arrangement being arranged or configured to direct a flow of fluid along a direction of the aquaculture tank.

23. A cleaning system for an aquaculture tank, the cleaning system including: an outlet portion for releasing fluid used for cleaning the aquaculture tank; and a diverter arrangement arranged below the outlet portion for directing fluid from the outlet portion along a direction of the aquaculture tank.

24. The cleaning system of claim 22 or 23 , wherein the diverter arrangement includes a first diverter and a second diverter, the first and second diverters being arranged or configured to direct fluid in different directions.

25. The cleaning system of claim 24, wherein the first diverter and the second diverter converge towards each other towards the aquaculture tank.

26. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the cleaning system includes an energy chain for delivering power for operating the cleaning system as the cleaning system moves laterally the aquaculture tank to adjacent aquaculture tank(s), wherein the energy chain includes one or more conduits for delivering fluid to the collector arrangement.

27. The cleaning system of claim 29, wherein the cleaning system further includes a feeder system for providing feed to the aquaculture tank, wherein the energy chain is additionally configured to provide power for operating the feeder system.

28. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the cleaning system includes a feeder system for providing feed to the aquaculture tank.

29. The cleaning system of claim 27 or 28, wherein the feeder system is configured to distribute the feed along a length of the aquaculture tank.

30. The cleaning system of claim 28 or 29, wherein the feeder system is operable to provide the feed to the aquaculture tank after the collector arrangement releases fluid in the first direction and/or in the second direction.

31. A weir system for an aquaculture tank, the weir system including weir having a raised configuration to maintain a fluid level in the aquaculture tank at a first level and a lowered configuration to reduce the fluid level in the aquaculture tank.

32. The weir system of claim 31, wherein, when the weir is in the raised configuration, an application of force onto the weir causes the weir to assume the lowered configuration.

33. The weir system of claim 32, wherein the application of force is by a wave a fluid from a cleaning system for cleaning the aquaculture tank.

34. The weir system of claim 33, wherein the weir is configured to assume the lower configuration in response to a cleaning operation by a cleaning system.

35. The weir system of claim 33 or 34, wherein the cleaning system including the cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 30.

36. An aquaculture system including the cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 30 and/or the weir system of any one of claims 31 to 35.