JP2006149221A - Filtering device for aquarium and filter material - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a filtering device and a filter material effective for preventing the application of stress to aquarium fish caused by the local pouring of filtered water to one point of the water surface of the aquarium, enabling the supply of sufficient oxygen to the water in the aquarium by taking atmospheric oxygen into the pouring water and sufficiently performing the biological filtration with aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria. <P>SOLUTION: The filtering device is placed on the circumferential wall of an aquarium to filter the water in the aquarium. The device is provided with filtering device body having a 1st filter material and a discharging port to return the filtered water to the aquarium and a water pump to supply the water in the aquarium to the filtering device body. The discharging port is equipped with a plurality of water channels to guide the water flow to a definite direction and the water channels are provided with a 2nd filter material to perform biological filtration. The filtering device contains a biodegradable plastic in the 2nd filter material and the filter material. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a filtration device for filtering water in an aquarium used for breeding ornamental fish and the like, and a filter medium used in the filtration device.

  As a filtration device that filters the water in the aquarium used for breeding ornamental fish, etc., an internal filtration type that performs filtration by installing a filter medium in the aquarium water, and a filtration device that is installed outside the aquarium There is an external filtration type that performs filtration. In particular, the external filtration type filtration device does not reduce the effective volume in the water tank, and it is easy to replace and clean the filter medium and other parts, and has an advantage in maintainability.

  Among the external filtration type filtration devices, there are an independent installation type in which the filtration device is installed independently in a place away from the water tank, and a water tank installation type in which the filtration device is installed on a peripheral wall of the water tank. The water tank installation type filtration device does not require long hoses and pipes connecting between the water tank and the filtration device, and can realize a compact and efficient filtration device, and is currently mainly used for small water tanks. Widely used.

  This water tank installation type filtration device is, for example, one installed on the upper edge of the peripheral wall so as to sandwich the peripheral wall of the water tank with the filtration device itself, or one installed on the peripheral wall using a hook member Etc. The filter body of the filtration device installed on the peripheral wall of the water tank is equipped with a filter medium, and water containing impurities and dirt in the water tank is pumped up by the water pump connected to the filter body. Supplied to the main body. The water supplied into the filter main body is filtered while passing through a filter medium installed in the middle of the water flow path.

  As filtration here, mechanical filtration that physically removes impurities contained in water while water passes through the filter medium, purification of water by activated carbon stored in the filter medium, and in the filter medium Biofiltration by cultured microorganisms is included.

  Moreover, the filtered water returns to a water tank again, for example by overflowing from a filter main body. When returning from the main body of the filter to the water tank, a slope-shaped water outlet is normally provided on the drain side of the main body of the filter, and the filtered water flows down on this water outlet and is poured into the water surface of the water tank. By repeating the above steps, the water in the aquarium is filtered, and while the water flows down on the drain outlet, the water is brought into contact with the atmosphere, oxygen in the atmosphere is taken into the water, It is designed to supply oxygen to the water.

In this water tank installation type filtration device, for example, by allowing water to pass through the filter medium by pressurization, the wide area of the filter medium is effectively utilized, the efficiency of filtration is improved, and the useful life of the filter medium is improved. Proposals have been made (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As another proposal, a proposal has been made to improve the efficiency of filtration and reduce the maintenance frequency of the filtration device by allowing water to pass through the filter medium by the suction force generated by the siphon (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ).
JP-A-6-70660 JP 2003-47367 A

  In the filtration devices described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above, proposals have been made to improve the efficiency of filtration and maintainability of the filter medium, but the filtered water is a conventional water tank installation type. Similar to the filtration device, it flows down on a sloped drainage port having a generally smooth surface and is poured into the water surface of the aquarium. Here, an example of a conventional drain outlet is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, the surface shape of the drain port 5 through which the filtered water flows down is configured as a smooth flat surface or a curved surface.

  As described above, the filter body is installed on the peripheral wall of the water tank. At this time, it is difficult to install the filter body so that the drain outlet is completely horizontal. Moreover, it is difficult to install the water tank itself completely horizontally. Therefore, the water that flows down the drainage port due to gravity rarely flows evenly over the entire drainage channel area, and is usually at the lower end due to the subtle inclination of the installed drainage port. Concentrate on and flow down. And the water which gathered and flowed to one place concentrates and is poured into one place of the water surface of a water tank as it is.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 (b), the drain port 5 has a left side of the paper slightly higher than the right side, and the water flows to the lower right as indicated by the arrow. Of these, it flows down concentrated on the right end, and is poured into one part of the water surface of the aquarium.
In this way, the filtered water flows in one spot on the drain and concentrates and is poured in one spot on the water surface of the aquarium, so the impact when the returning water collides with the water surface is large. Become. This impact gives great stress to delicate ornamental fish, and becomes a big problem in breeding appreciation fish.

  In addition, as described above, taking oxygen in the atmosphere while water flows down on the drain outlet and supplying oxygen to the water in the aquarium is one of the important functions of this aquarium installation type filtration device. However, in the case of the flow concentrated in one place described above, the contact area with the atmosphere is smaller than in the case where the flow flows uniformly over the entire flow path region of the drain port. Therefore, there is a problem that oxygen in the atmosphere cannot be taken into the flowing water so much that sufficient oxygen cannot be supplied to the water in the water tank.

  This phenomenon of concentrated flow at one location on the drain outlet is particularly noticeable when the amount of water flowing down is small. Therefore, it becomes a big problem especially in a small water tank with a small amount of circulating water to be filtered. Further, not only the inclination of the drain port but also oil or dirt on the channel region of the drain port may cause a concentrated water flow in one place.

  Furthermore, as described above, an important function of filtration by a filter medium is biological filtration in which microorganisms are propagated in the filter medium and water is purified by the microorganisms. However, in the filtering devices described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it has been proposed to improve the efficiency of mechanical filtration that physically removes impurities and the like in water. Since it is immersed and does not come into contact with the atmosphere, the growth rate of aerobic microorganisms that play an important role in biological filtration is slow, and the decomposition activity of microorganisms may not be active. In addition, biological filtration by anaerobic microorganisms is also conceivable, but the propagation of this anaerobic microorganism is also poor in nutrient sources in the filter media described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, and sufficient propagation cannot be expected. Conceivable. Therefore, in the filter media described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, it is considered that there is a problem that biological filtration by microorganisms is not sufficiently performed.

  Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in the filtration device installed on the peripheral wall of the aquarium, the filtered water is concentrated and poured into one place on the water surface of the aquarium and stresses the ornamental fish. A filtration device that prevents supply of oxygen and can supply sufficient oxygen to the water in the aquarium by incorporating oxygen in the water into the water to be poured, and can sufficiently perform biological filtration with aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. And providing a filter medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, as a first embodiment of the water tank filtration device of the present invention, a filtration device installed on the peripheral wall of the water tank to filter the water in the water tank, comprising one or more filter media (First filter medium), a filter body having a drain outlet for returning water filtered through the filter medium (first filter medium) to the water tank, and filtering the water in the water tank And a water pump for supplying water to the vessel main body, and a drainage port provided with a plurality of water channels guided so that water flows in a certain direction is conceivable.

  In this embodiment, all methods can be taken as a method of installing the filtration device in the water tank. For example, the filtering device itself may be placed on the upper edge of the peripheral wall of the water tank so as to sandwich the peripheral wall of the water tank, or it may be hooked on the peripheral wall using a hook-shaped member. It is also possible to attach to the peripheral wall using screws, suction cups or the like. Various other methods are also conceivable.

The installation position of the filter main body may be installed outside the peripheral wall of the water tank or may be installed inside the peripheral wall of the water tank.
It is conceivable that the filtered water flows out from the main body of the filter to the drain outlet side by overflow, may flow out by applying a predetermined pressure, or may flow out by a water pump or the like. Various other methods are also conceivable.

As a material of the filter main body and the drain, any material including a synthetic resin can be used as long as it has a predetermined strength and does not adversely affect the water in the water tank. Moreover, the pump using all the motive powers including an electric pump can be used for a water pump.
With respect to the water inlet of this water pump, water can be pumped directly in contact with the water surface in the water tank, or water in the water tank can be pumped up by connecting pipes or hoses. In addition, in order to prevent damage to the filtration device and clogging of the water channel, it is also conceivable to install a strainer for removing dust contained in the water in the water tank at the suction port. Moreover, the discharge port of the water pump may be directly connected to the filter main body, or may be connected to the filter main body via a pipe or a hose. Furthermore, a flow rate adjusting valve for adjusting the flow rate can be installed in the middle of the path for supplying water.

As the filter medium (first filter medium), any type of filter medium can be used. For example, a filter medium made of synthetic resin or an active carbon inside thereof can be considered. As filtration by the filter medium (first filter medium), mechanical filtration that physically removes impurities contained in water while water passes, and when activated carbon or the like is stored inside the filter medium, Water purification using activated carbon or the like can be considered.
Furthermore, it is conceivable to purify water by aerobic microorganisms cultured in the filter medium, for example, by decomposing ammonia generated from impurities or dirt in water into nitrous acid and further decomposing into relatively harmless nitrates. However, regarding the purification of water by aerobic microorganisms, if the filter medium is submerged in water and is not in contact with the air, the culture rate of the microorganisms may be slow and the microbial decomposition activity may not be active. Conceivable.

  As a method of passing the filter medium (first filter medium) through the water guided from the water tank, it is conceivable to store a predetermined amount of water and pass it through the head of the accumulated water, or to pass it by applying a predetermined pressure. It is conceivable that the water is passed through using a water pump or the like. Further, it is conceivable to let the outlet side of the filter medium pass under a negative pressure, and various other methods can be adopted.

  As for the water channel guided so that the water flows in a certain direction, all kinds of water channels can be adopted, for example, a water channel can be provided by cutting a groove, and a side wall is provided between the water channel and the water channel. A water channel can also be provided upright. Moreover, all cross-sectional shapes can be taken also about the cross-sectional shape of a water channel. As the flow direction of the water channel, it is considered efficient to match the direction in which water flows down due to gravity, but it can take any direction depending on the situation.

In the filtration device installed on the peripheral wall of the conventional aquarium, it is impossible to install the filtration device so that the drain outlet through which the filtered water returns to the aquarium is completely horizontal, especially In a small aquarium with a small amount of water circulation, there is a high possibility that water will collect and flow down at one location of the drainage port and be concentrated and poured into one location on the water surface of the aquarium due to the slight inclination of the drainage port.
For this reason, the problem which gives stress to a delicate ornamental fish arises, and since water gathers and flows in one place, the contact area with the atmosphere decreases and the problem that sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere cannot be taken up also arises. .

  However, according to the present embodiment, even if the installed drainage port is slightly inclined, the filtered water flows through each guided water channel, so that it flows uniformly in the entire channel region of the drainage port. Poured into the surface of the tank. Therefore, there is little risk of giving extra stress to the ornamental fish due to the impact when water is poured, and the contact area with the atmosphere can be increased, so that enough oxygen in the atmosphere can be taken into the flowing water, and the water in the aquarium Sufficient oxygen can be supplied.

As another embodiment of the water tank filtering device of the present invention, a filtering device in which the water channel has a substantially V-shaped or U-shaped cross section is conceivable.
According to this embodiment, it is possible to ensure that water flows in a certain direction, and it is possible to easily form a water channel, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the drain.

As another embodiment of the water tank filtering device of the present invention, a filtering device having protrusions or irregularities in the channel of the water channel is conceivable.
According to this embodiment, since the water flowing in the water channel is agitated by the protrusions and irregularities, the contact with the atmosphere can be further increased, and more oxygen can be taken into the water. In addition, about the magnitude | size of a protrusion and an unevenness | corrugation, an installation position, installation number, etc., all sizes, all installation positions, and all installation numbers can be employ | adopted. In addition, the unevenness includes a state in which the surface of the water channel is rough, where the height of the unevenness is very low.

As another embodiment of the water tank filtration device of the present invention, a filtration device in which a second filter medium capable of biological filtration is provided in the water channel is conceivable.
Here, as the second filter medium, any type of filter medium can be used, and, for example, one made of synthetic resinous fibers can be considered. In the present embodiment, since the second filter medium is installed in the drainage channel, most of the water flowing down the drainage port passes through the second filter medium, and the second filter medium is sufficiently in contact with the atmosphere. Therefore, it is suitable for promoting the culture of aerobic microorganisms for performing biofiltration and activating the degradation activity of the microorganisms. Therefore, it can be expected that the second filter medium will be sufficient for biofiltration of water that could not be sufficiently performed with the filter medium (first filter medium).

As another embodiment of the water tank filtering device of the present invention, a filtering device in which the second filter medium is a string-shaped filter medium having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross section of the water channel is conceivable.
According to the present embodiment, since the second filter medium has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross section of the water channel of the drain outlet, the second filter medium sufficiently contains water flowing through the water channel and can be sufficiently exposed to the atmosphere. Since the optimal environment can be set, it can be expected to maximize the purification of water in the aquarium.

As another embodiment of the water tank filtration device of the present invention, a filtration device in which the second filter medium is attached to the filter medium (first filter medium) in a detachable state is conceivable.
In this embodiment, by attaching the second filter medium to the filter medium (first filter medium), the second filter medium is installed at an appropriate position in the water channel of the drain outlet without adhering to the water channel or the like. In addition, since the second filter medium and the filter medium (first filter medium) can be separated, the filter medium can be exchanged individually and freely.

  As another embodiment of the water tank filtering device of the present invention, a filtering device in which the second filter medium contains a biodegradable plastic inside is conceivable. Here, the biodegradable plastic is a plastic mainly composed of cereal starch, and is a plastic having characteristics of being degraded by microorganisms.

  In the second filter medium containing the biodegradable plastic in the present embodiment, not only the above-mentioned aerobic microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) that decompose ammonia into nitrite and nitrate, but also impurities and dirt in the water in the aquarium. Microorganisms such as aerobic microorganisms (heterotrophic bacteria) that decompose organic nitrogen contained in water into ammonia and anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) that decompose nitrate into nitrogen gas can be rapidly propagated. Accordingly, it is possible to purify the water in the aquarium and stabilize the water quality including PH, and it is possible to breed ornamental fish and the like without exchanging the water in the aquarium for a long period of time.

As another embodiment of the water tank filtration device of the present invention, a filtration device in which the particulate biodegradable plastic is contained in the second filter medium so as not to contact each other is conceivable.
According to this embodiment, by making the biodegradable plastic into particles, the surface area of the plastic can be increased and microorganisms can be propagated quickly. Further, by preventing the biodegradable plastic particles from coming into contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the biodegradable plastic from reacting and dissolving and causing the water in the water tank to become clouded.

As a first embodiment of the method for handling the water tank filtration device of the present invention, the filter medium (first filter medium) and the second filter medium are exchanged at different times, and the filter medium (first filter medium) or It is conceivable to replace the filter medium of the filter device so that microorganisms for biological filtration are retained in at least one of the second filter medium.
In the conventional filtration apparatus in which only the filter medium submerged in water (the filter medium corresponding to the first filter medium) is installed, if the filter medium is replaced, all microorganisms that have been cultured until then will be lost, and Until the microorganisms are cultured on the filter medium, the biological filtration of water is not performed. However, according to this embodiment, since microorganisms can be kept in any one of the filter media, it is possible to always perform biological filtration of water, and to minimize the influence of biological filtration due to replacement of the filter media. .

As a first embodiment of the filter medium for a filter according to the present invention, a filter medium capable of performing biological filtration, which is a filter medium for a filter that contains a biodegradable plastic in a fibrous filter medium, is considered. It is done.
In the biological filter medium of this embodiment, as described above, aerobic microorganisms (heterotrophic bacteria) that decompose organic nitrogen contained in impurities and dirt in the aquarium water into ammonia, and ammonia is decomposed into nitrous acid and nitrates. By rapidly breeding bacteria, including aerobic microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) and anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) that decompose nitrate into nitrogen gas, the water in the aquarium is purified and PH is started. It is possible to stabilize the quality of the water to be used, and it is possible to breed ornamental fish and the like without exchanging the water in the aquarium for a long period of time.

  The shape of the biological filter medium is not limited to a string shape, and can take any shape including a sheet shape and a mat shape. Moreover, the installation place of the biological filter medium is not limited to the drain outlet, and can be installed in any place including the water absorption path of the filtration device as long as it can come into contact with water and air in the water tank.

As another embodiment of the biological filter medium of the present invention, a filter medium for a filter device, which is contained in a fibrous filter medium so that the particulate biodegradable plastics do not come into contact with each other, can be considered.
According to this embodiment, similarly to the above, by making the biodegradable plastic particles, the surface area of the plastic can be increased and microorganisms can be propagated quickly. Further, by preventing the biodegradable plastic particles from coming into contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the biodegradable plastic from reacting and dissolving and causing the water in the water tank to become clouded.

  According to the water tank filtration device of the present invention, by providing a water channel at the drain port, the filtered water flows uniformly through the entire channel region of the drain port and is poured into the water surface of the water tank, so that water is poured. Reduces the risk of stressing the ornamental fish by mitigating the shocks that occur from time to time, and also increases the contact area between the water flowing through the drain and the atmosphere, so that enough oxygen in the atmosphere is contained in the water in the tank. Can be supplied to.

  In addition, by providing the second filter medium in the water channel of the drain outlet, biological filtration of water that could not be sufficiently performed by the filter medium (first filter medium) can be sufficiently performed by the second filter medium.

  Furthermore, by containing a biodegradable plastic inside the second filter medium, it is possible to purify the water in the aquarium and stabilize the water quality including PH, and to replace the water in the aquarium for a long period of time. Without performing it, it is possible to breed ornamental fish.

  Embodiments of the water tank filtration device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(Description of the overall structure of the filtration device)
First, regarding one embodiment of the water tank filtration device of the present invention, the overall structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a filtration device 1. In addition, although the lid | cover can be attached to upper part in the filtration apparatus 1, the state which removed the lid | cover is shown by FIG. Moreover, the arrow shown in FIG. 1 has shown the flow of water.

  In the present embodiment, the filter main body 2 provided with the first filter medium 4 and the drain port 5 through which filtered water flows down and is poured into the water tank are integrally formed. The drain port 5 is provided with six water channels 5a having a substantially V-shaped cross section, and each water channel 5a is provided with a second filter medium 6 which is a string-like biological filter medium. A water pump 3 driven by an electric motor is connected to a water absorption portion 12 formed integrally with the filter body 2 and the drain port 5 on the right side of the drain port 5 on the paper surface. A strainer 7 is connected to the lower side of the water pump 3 to be a water suction port in the water tank.

A water absorption pipe 8 is connected above the water absorption part 12 and guides the water in the water tank to the inside of the filter body 2. The water supply pipe 8 is provided with a flow rate adjusting valve 15 for adjusting the flow rate of water guided to the filter body 2. In addition, the upper part of the peripheral wall (not shown) of a water tank is inserted in the hook part 14 formed between the filter body 2 and the drain port 5 and between the filter body 2 and the water absorption part 12, and the hook part 14. 14a and the upper edge of the water tank are in contact with each other, and the filtration device 1 is attached to the water tank in a form of being placed on the upper edge of the peripheral wall of the water tank. At this time, the position adjustment member 16 can adjust the position (tilt) of the filtering device 1 with respect to the water tank.
In this embodiment, the filter main body 2 is located outside the water tank, and the drain port 5 and the water pump 3 are located inside the water tank. And the water pump 3 (all or a part) and the strainer 7 are in the water of the aquarium, and the lower end (that is, the water spout) of the drain port 5 is located slightly above the water surface. Yes.

  The flow of water will be briefly described using the arrows shown in FIG. 1. First, the water in the water tank is sucked from the strainer 7 located in the water in the water tank by the suction force of the water pump 3. The strainer 7 removes large debris in the water and prevents the water pump 3 from being damaged or the water supply pipe 8 from being clogged. The water sucked from the strainer 7 passes through the water pump 3, rises in a water channel (not shown) in the water absorption part 12 and enters the water absorption pipe 8, and the direction of travel is 180 degrees as indicated by an arrow. Instead, it enters a water absorption chamber (not shown) in the filter body 2. A flow rate adjustment valve 15 is installed in the water supply pipe 8 and can be adjusted to a desired flow rate.

  The water that has entered the water absorption chamber is filtered by the head of water stored in the water absorption chamber through the first filter medium 4 and enters the drainage chamber (not shown) in the filter body 2. The filtration by the first filter medium 4 is mainly a mechanical filtration that physically removes water stains, impurities, etc., but the purification by water using activated carbon contained in the filter medium or by aerobic microorganisms. Biofiltration is also performed. And the water which entered the drainage chamber overflows, flows down the drainage port 5, and is poured into the water tank as shown by the arrow.

  The drainage channel 5 is provided with six water channels 5 a having a substantially V-shaped cross section so that the filtered water can flow uniformly over the entire channel region of the drainage port 5. Each water channel 5a is provided with a second filter medium 6, and water is purified by biological filtration while flowing down the water channel 5a.

  FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the filtration device 1 shown in FIG. The strainer connected to the water inlet of the water pump 3 is composed of a main member 7a and a sponge 7b covering the periphery thereof. The water pump 3 is driven by an electric motor, and a cord 3d for supplying power is attached. Moreover, the water absorption part 12 shape | molded integrally with the filter main body 2 and the drain port 5 has a water channel up and down, the discharge port of the water pump 3 is connected to the entrance side (lower side), and the exit side A water supply pipe 8 is connected to (upper side). The water supply pipe 8 is connected to the first member 8a and the second member 8b to form a U-shaped water channel, and a flow rate adjusting valve 15 is attached to the upper part of the first member 8a. The flow rate adjustment valve 15 can be adjusted by adjusting the angle of the lower partition plate by rotating it with the upper knob and adjusting the flow rate of water.

  In the present embodiment, the upper part of the first filter medium 4 (filter medium body 4a) and the upper part of the second filter medium 6 are pressed by the same pressing plate 4b and fixed by the clip 4c from the upper side of the pressing plate 4b. Therefore, at the time of assembly, the first filter medium 4 and the second filter medium 6 are joined at the upper part, and can be easily separated by removing the clip 4c.

Moreover, the notch 13 is cut up and down at two places on both sides of the filter body 2, and the first filter medium 4 is inserted into the notch 13 by inserting both ends of the first filter medium 4 (filter medium body 4 a). Can be fixed inside the filter body 2. Similarly, the string-like second filter medium 6 whose upper part is attached to the first filter medium 4 can be set in each water channel 5a of the drain channel 5 without bonding or the like.
As described above, after mounting the first filter medium 4 and the second filter medium 6, the lid 11 is placed on the upper part of the filter body 2 and the preparation of the filter device 1 is completed.

  Other reference drawings showing the structure of the filtration device shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIGS. 3 shows an elevational view as seen from the arrow A in the perspective view of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 shows a plan view as seen from the arrow B in the perspective view of FIG. 1, and FIG. The elevation view seen from arrow C of this perspective view is shown. The arrows shown in each figure indicate the flow of water.

(Detailed structure of filtration device and explanation of water flow)
Next, with reference to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6, a more detailed structural description regarding the filtration device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and a more detailed description of the flow of water will be given. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view seen from the direction of the arrow C in the perspective view of FIG. 1 and schematically shows the flow of water in an easily understandable manner. The flow of water is indicated by arrows.

  The filter device 1 is installed on the peripheral wall 20 so that the receiving portion 14a of the filter device 1 is in contact with the upper edge of the peripheral wall 20 of the water tank, and the filter body 2 is located outside the water tank. The position adjusting member 16 allows the filtration device 1 to be attached at an appropriate position. The position adjusting member 16 includes a plate 16a and a rotary shaft 16b attached eccentrically to the plate 16a. The position adjusting member 16 is attached to the bottom of the filter body 2 via the rotary shaft 16b. When the filtering device 1 is attached to the peripheral wall of the water tank, the plate 16a contacts the outer wall of the peripheral wall. Since the rotating shaft 16b is eccentrically attached, the attachment position (tilt) of the filtration device 1 can be appropriately adjusted by rotating the plate 16b.

  The flow of water until the water in the water tank enters the filtration device 1 and is filtered and returns to the water tank will be described. The water in the water tank is sucked from the strainer 7 by the suction force of the water pump 3. The strainer 7 includes a main member 7a and a sponge 7b that covers the outside of the main member 7a. The sponge 7b removes large debris from the water and prevents it from entering the filtration device 1. The main member 7a has an opening hole so that water in the water tank flows into the water pump 3. The water pump 7 is provided with an electric motor 3a that is waterproofed in a casing 7c, and an impeller 3b is attached to a drive shaft of the electric motor 3a. The impeller 3b is rotated by the driving force of the electric motor 3a, and water in the water tank is sucked and guided toward the filter body 2.

  The sucked water further passes through the water channel 12a of the water absorption part (not shown) and the water absorption pipe 8, and enters the water absorption chamber 9 of the filter main body 2. The flow rate of the water guided by the water pump 7 can be adjusted to a desired flow rate by the flow rate adjustment valve 15 provided in the water absorption pipe 8, and the water surface in the filter body 2 is indicated by a one-point difference line. Kept in a safe state. Water guided from the water tank by the head of water stored in the water absorption chamber 9 passes through the first filter medium 4 and is filtered as indicated by an arrow.

  The first filter medium 4 is made of resin fibers, and mechanical filtration is performed in which impurities and the like are physically removed while water passes between the resin fibers. The first filter medium 4 is filled with activated carbon and has a function of purifying water. In addition, aerobic microorganisms are propagated in resinous fibers having a large surface area, and by these microorganisms, ammonia generated from impurities and dirt in the water is decomposed into relatively harmless nitrates through nitrous acid. Biological filtration to purify water can also be performed. However, since the first filter medium 4 is submerged in water, the growth rate of aerobic microorganisms is slow, and there are cases where the decomposition activity by microorganisms is not actively performed. Two filter media 6 are provided so that sufficient biological filtration is performed. In the present embodiment, the upper portions of the first filter medium 4 and the second filter medium 6 are both sandwiched by the pressing plate 4b and fixed by the clip 4c.

  The water that has passed through the first filter medium 4 enters the drainage chamber 10, and the water accumulated in the drainage chamber 10 overflows, flows down the water channel 5 a of the discharge port 5, and is poured into the water tank. When flowing down the water channel 5a, most of the water passes through the string-like second filter medium 6, and biological filtration is sufficiently performed during that time. The flow of water on the drain port 5 and biological filtration in the second filter medium 6 will be described in detail below.

(Description of outlet)
FIG. 7 (a) shows an embodiment of the filtration device 1 having the drain 5 according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 (b) shows an embodiment of the conventional filtration device having the drain. Both are elevation views as seen from the direction of the arrow A in the perspective view shown in FIG. In addition, in order to clarify the flow of water on the drain outlet 5, the second filter medium 5 is not shown in the filtration device 1 shown in FIG.
Although both filtration devices are installed on the peripheral wall of the aquarium, it is difficult to attach the drainage port 5 to the peripheral wall so that it is completely horizontal, and it is difficult to install the aquarium itself completely horizontally. is there. In this embodiment, both the filtration devices are installed in a state where the left side in the drawing is slightly higher than the right side.

  The filtered water overflows and flows down on the drain port 5 and is poured into the water tank. In the conventional drain port 5 shown in FIG. 7B, the flow path region is a relatively smooth flat surface or curved surface. Since it is configured, all the water that flows down flows in the lower right direction as shown by the arrow due to the influence of gravity. Therefore, all the water collects and flows at the right end of the flow path region of the drain port 5 and is concentrated and poured into one place of the water tank. At this time, the impact when the poured water collides with the surface of the water is large, which causes a problem of giving a great stress to the delicate ornamental fish.

Furthermore, since water flows in one place in the flow path region of the drain port 5, the contact area with the atmosphere becomes very small, so that oxygen in the atmosphere cannot be taken into the flowing water sufficiently. Incorporating sufficient oxygen into the circulating water and supplying sufficient oxygen to the water in the aquarium is one of the important functions of the aquarium-type filtration device. Can not.
In particular, in the case of a small water tank, since the amount of water to circulate is small, the tendency of water to concentrate and flow down in one place appears so that it becomes a particular problem. In addition, appreciation fish bred in small aquariums are generally small fishes and may cause more serious problems.

On the other hand, in the filtration device 1 having the drain port 5 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 7A, six water channels 5 a having a substantially V-shaped cross section are provided in the entire channel region of the drain port 5. In addition, since the filtered water flows along the water channel 5a, the water does not evenly flow into the entire channel region and is concentrated and poured into one place of the water tank. Therefore, there is little fear of giving great stress to the ornamental fish. Even a small aquarium with a small amount of circulating water is not likely to be concentrated and poured into one location of the aquarium.
In addition, since the water flows evenly over the entire flow path area, it is possible to increase the contact area with the atmosphere, and sufficient oxygen can be taken into the flowing water, and sufficient oxygen is supplied to the water in the aquarium. can do.

  As described above, when the drainage port 5 according to the present invention is used, water is poured evenly in the entire width direction of the drainage port 5, so that there is little risk of giving stress to the ornamental fish, and the water in the aquarium Sufficient oxygen can be supplied. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the water channel provided in the drain port 5 which concerns on this invention is not restricted to V shape, All cross-sectional shapes including a U shape can be employ | adopted.

(Explanation of the second filter medium)
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a detailed description will be given regarding one embodiment of the second filter medium according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the water channel 5 a provided in the drain outlet 5. A string-like second filter medium 6 having a substantially circular cross section is provided in a water channel 5a having a substantially V-shaped cross section. FIG. 8 shows a cross section when the water that has been filtered through the first filter medium 4 and then accumulated in the drainage chamber 10 overflows and flows down through the water channel 5a.

In this embodiment, the 2nd filter medium 5 consists of resin-made fibers, the area | region except an upper part is in the state immersed in the flowing-down water, and the upper part has come out in the air. Therefore, compared to the first filter medium 4 that is all submerged in water, a very suitable environment is set for promoting the growth of aerobic microorganisms and for the aerobic microorganisms to perform decomposition activities.
As shown by the arrows in FIG. 8, the aerobic microorganisms cultured in the second filter medium 6 take in oxygen from the atmosphere from above, and convert ammonia generated from impurities and dirt in water through nitrous acid. Biofiltration that breaks down into relatively harmless nitrates. Since the second filter medium 6 is in an environment suitable for the aerobic microorganism decomposing activity, water that could not be sufficiently performed by the first filter medium 4 can be sufficiently purified.

  Although the cross-sectional shape of the second filter medium 6 of the present embodiment is substantially circular, a desired shape can be taken according to the cross-sectional shape of each water channel of the drain port 5. Regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the water channel 5a, most of the water flowing down each water channel 5a of the drain port 5 flows through the second filter medium 6, and the upper part of the second filter medium 6 is the atmosphere. Optimum biological filtration can be carried out by contacting the surface.

  Moreover, although it is the replacement | exchange method of a 1st filter medium and a 2nd filter medium, since both can be isolate | separated easily as mentioned above, it is always either by changing both exchange time and exchanging. It is possible to keep microorganisms in the filter medium. As a result, the water can always be purified by biological filtration, and the influence of the filter medium exchange can be minimized.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the filtration device of the present invention has been described, the filtration device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and for example, the following embodiment is also conceivable.

<Other embodiments of drain port>
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the drain port 5 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the water channel 5a guided so that water flows in a certain direction is provided with protrusions or irregularities for stirring the water flow. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 (a), protrusions are provided on the inlet side, the central portion, and the outlet side of the water channel 5a, and in FIG. 9 (b), irregularities are provided on the entire length of the water channel 5a.
By agitating the flow of water with these protrusions and irregularities, the contact area between the water and the atmosphere is increased, so that more oxygen in the atmosphere can be taken into the water. The size, installation position, number of installations, and the like of the protrusions and irregularities are not limited to this embodiment, and any size, installation position, and number of installations can be considered. In addition, the unevenness includes a state in which the surface of the water channel having a very low unevenness is roughened.

<Other Embodiment 1 of Second Filter Medium>
In the embodiment of the second filter medium 6 described above, a string-shaped filter medium made of resin fibers is used. However, as another embodiment of the second filter medium, biodegradation is performed inside the string-shaped filter medium. A filter medium with a conductive plastic is conceivable. Here, the biodegradable plastic is a plastic mainly composed of cereal starch, and is a plastic having characteristics of being decomposed by microorganisms.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing that the second filter medium 6 containing the biodegradable plastic is installed in the water channel 5a having a substantially V-shaped cross section. In addition, this sectional view also shows the action of each microorganism in the second filter medium 6. As shown in FIG. 10, a biodegradable plastic 18 is provided inside a string-like second filter medium 6 having a substantially circular cross section. The biodegradable plastic 18 is in the form of particles as shown in the figure, and in the present embodiment, the filter medium 6a covering the particulate biodegradable plastic 18 is a resin fiber as in the above-described filter medium. It is composed of

  The upper side of the string-like second filter medium 6 containing the biodegradable plastic 18 is in contact with the atmosphere, and is in a state where oxygen in the atmosphere is easily absorbed. Accordingly, aerobic microorganisms (heterotrophic bacteria) A that act using the biodegradable plastic 18 as a nutrient source propagate around the biodegradable plastic 18 as shown in FIG. This aerobic microorganism (heterotrophic bacterium) A takes in biodegradable plastic and oxygen, and converts organic nitrogen generated from impurities (for example, food leftovers and feces) and dirt contained in aquarium water into ammonia. Works to break down. In addition, although the aerobic microorganism (heterotrophic bacterium) A which decomposes | disassembles organic nitrogen into ammonia propagates naturally also in an aquarium, the reproduction speed is slow and it cannot be said that activity is also active. On the other hand, when the biodegradable plastic 18 is used, it can breed very quickly and decompose a lot of organic nitrogen into ammonia.

  The aerobic microorganism (heterotrophic bacterium) A propagated around the biodegradable plastic 18 consumes oxygen and generates an anaerobic environment with less oxygen in the second filter medium 6. Then, anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) B using the biodegradable plastic 18 as a nutrient source propagate in the region under the anaerobic environment. This anaerobic microorganism (denitrifying bacterium) B functions to take in biodegradable plastic, decompose nitrate in water into nitrogen gas, and release it into the atmosphere.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the second filter medium does not contain the above-described biodegradable plastic 18 around the area where aerobic microorganisms (heterotrophic bacteria) A and anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) B propagated. Similar to 6, aerobic microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) C propagate by taking in oxygen in the atmosphere. This aerobic microorganism (nitrifying bacterium) C functions to decompose ammonia in water into nitrite and nitrate, as described above.

  In addition, although the particulate biodegradable plastic 18 is contained in the resin-made fiber, when the biodegradable plastics 18 are in direct contact with each other, they react with each other and dissolve to whiten the water in the tank. This is because the particles of the biodegradable plastic 18 are prevented from coming into direct contact with the fibers of the filter medium 6a because it causes turbidity.

  Next, the cycle of water purification in the aquarium by these microorganisms will be described using the schematic diagram shown in FIG. First, clean water is put in an aquarium, and ornamental fish are bred (step S1). And organic nitrogen which arises from impurities and dirt, such as uneaten bait and feces, arises in the water of an aquarium (Step S2). The organic nitrogen generated in the water in the tank is decomposed into ammonia by the aerobic microorganism (heterotrophic bacteria) A (step S3). This aerobic microorganism (heterotrophic bacterium) A naturally occurs in the water in the aquarium, but compared with the second filter medium 6 of the present embodiment, the amount of oxygen taken from the atmosphere is small and the nutrient source is poor. So its breeding speed is slow. Accordingly, the organic nitrogen contained in the water in the aquarium is mainly decomposed into ammonia by the aerobic microorganism (heterotrophic bacteria) A propagated therein when passing through the second filter medium 6.

  Next, ammonia generated by being decomposed by the aerobic microorganism (heterotrophic bacteria) A is decomposed into nitrous acid by the aerobic microorganism (nitrifying bacteria) C (step S4), and further decomposed into nitrate (step). S5). As described above, the aerobic microorganism (nitrifying bacterium) C propagates even in the first filter medium that mainly performs mechanical filtration. However, the aerobic microorganism (nitrifying bacteria) C has a slower propagation speed than the second filter medium 6 that is in contact with the air, and the degradation activity. Is not active. Therefore, ammonia in water is mainly decomposed into nitrates by aerobic microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) C propagated in the second filter medium 6 when passing through the second filter medium 6.

  Next, nitrate produced by decomposition by aerobic microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) C is decomposed into nitrogen gas by anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) B and released into the atmosphere (step S6). Conventionally, it has been difficult to decompose nitrate in a water tank, but when nitrate in water passes through the second filter medium 6, anaerobic microorganisms (denitrification) propagated in the second filter medium 6. Bacteria) B is decomposed into nitrogen gas and released to the atmosphere.

  Through the above cycle, organic nitrogen resulting from uneaten food and impurities and dirt of ornamental fish feces is finally released into the atmosphere as nitrogen gas, and returns to the original cycle as clean water. Therefore, by using the second filter medium 6 containing the biodegradable plastic 18 therein, it is possible to breed ornamental fish and the like without changing the water tank for a long time.

  Further, in the nitrification step (see Steps S4 and S5) in which ammonia by aerobic microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) C is decomposed into nitrous acid and nitrates, hydrogen ions that reduce PH are generated, but anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) In the denitrification step (see step S6) in which the nitrate by B is decomposed into nitrogen gas, hydrogen ions are consumed, and hydroxide ions that increase PH are generated, so that the pH of water can always be stabilized. Conventionally, the denitrification process by anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) B is not performed actively. Therefore, if filtration is continued using a filtration device, the pH of water gradually decreases, and ornamental fish no longer eat food. Although the problem of weakening has occurred, the second filter medium 6 including the biodegradable plastic 18 therein can prevent a decrease in pH and maintain a stable water quality. The chemical formula of this nitrification process and denitrification process is shown below.

Nitrification process NH ⁺ ₄ + 3/2 O ₂ → NO ^- ₂ + H ₂ O + 2H ⁺
NO ^- ₂ + 1 / 2O ₂ → NO ^- ₃
Denitrification process 2NO ^- ₃ + 10H ⁺ → N ₂ + 4H ₂ O + 2OH ⁻
2NO ⁻ ₂ + 6H ⁺ → N ₂ + 2H ₂ O + 2OH ⁻

  Further, in the second filter medium 6 including the biodegradable plastic 18, there is biodegradable plastic serving as a nutrient source, and sufficient oxygen can be taken from the atmosphere, so aerobic microorganisms (heterotrophic bacteria) A) rapidly propagates, anaerobic microorganisms (heterotrophic bacteria) A form an anaerobic environment, and anaerobic microorganisms (denitrifying bacteria) B also rapidly propagate. In addition, since there is an environment in which sufficient oxygen can be taken from the atmosphere, aerobic microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria) C also rapidly propagate. Therefore, after the start of breeding on the aquarium fish, the above-mentioned microorganisms can be quickly propagated to purify the water and stabilize the water containing PH. In particular, by making the biodegradable plastic 18 into particles, the surface area of the plastic can be increased, and microorganisms can be propagated at an early stage immediately after the start of breeding.

<Other Embodiment 2 of Second Filter Medium>
In the embodiment of the second filter medium 6 described above, a string-like biological filter medium having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross section of each water channel is used. It is also conceivable to use biological filter media. For example, a sheet-like or mat-like shape as shown in FIG. 12 (a) is conceivable as this biological filter medium. It can be used when it can be assumed.

<Other Embodiment 3 of Second Filter Medium>
In the second filter medium 6 including the biodegradable plastic 18 described above, not only the string-shaped biofilter medium having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross section of each water channel but also the entire flow path region of the drain port 5 is covered. It is also conceivable to use an integrated biological filter medium. FIG. 12B shows, as an example, a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a biodegradable plastic 18 is included in a sheet-like or mat-like filter medium composed of synthetic resin fibers. This cross-sectional view is a cross section cut in a direction perpendicular to the flow of water.

<Other Embodiment 4 of Second Filter Medium>
In the description of the second filter medium described above, the embodiment is shown in which the drainage port 5 of the filtering device 1 is installed. However, the installation location is not limited to the drainage port 5, and the place where the circulating water and the atmosphere can be touched. If so, it can be installed in any place including the water absorption side of the filtration device. Further, the shape of the second filter medium to be installed is not limited to a string shape, a sheet shape, or a mat shape, and any shape can be considered according to the shape of the water channel.
For example, in the filtration device 1 shown in FIG. 6, the water in the water tank is guided to the filter body 2 by the water absorption pipe 8. Instead of the water absorption pipe 8, a water channel opened to the atmosphere is provided, and the second It is also possible to install a filter medium.

  Furthermore, the water tank filtration device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various other embodiments.

It is a perspective view which shows one embodiment of the filtration apparatus for water tanks of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the filtration apparatus for water tanks of this invention. FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the water tank filtering device as viewed from an arrow A in the perspective view of FIG. 1. It is a top view of the filtration apparatus for water tanks seen from the arrow B of the perspective view of FIG. FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the water tank filtering device as viewed from an arrow C in the perspective view of FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing represented typically in order to show the detailed structure of one Embodiment of the filtration apparatus for water tanks of this invention, and the flow of water. It is a schematic diagram for comparing the flow of the water in the drain port which concerns on this invention, and the conventional drain port, (a) shows the drain port which concerns on this invention, (b) shows the conventional drain port. It is sectional drawing shown typically for demonstrating the biological filtration by the 2nd filter medium which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment of the water channel of the drain outlet which concerns on this invention, Comprising: (a) shows the water channel which has a processus | protrusion, (b) shows the water channel which has an unevenness | corrugation. It is sectional drawing which shows the place where the 2nd filter medium 6 in which a biodegradable plastic is contained is installed in the water channel 5a which has a substantially V-shaped cross section. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cycle of water purification of the water tank by the 2nd filter medium 6 in which biodegradable plastic is contained. It is a figure which shows embodiment of the 2nd filter medium which has a sheet-like or mat-like shape, (a) shows a perspective view, (b) shows sectional drawing in the case of having a biodegradable plastic inside. .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Filtration apparatus 2 Filter body 3 Water pump 3a Electric motor 3b Impeller 3c Casing 3d Code 4 First filter medium 4a Filter medium body 4b Holding plate 4c Clip 5 Drain port 6 Second filter medium 6a Filter medium 7 Strainer 7a Main member 7b Sponge 8 Water absorption pipe 8a 1st member 8b 2nd member 9 Water absorption chamber 10 Drainage chamber 11 Lid 12 Water absorption part 12a Water channel 13 Notch 14 Hook part 14a Receiving part 15 Flow rate adjustment valve 16 Position adjustment member 16a Plate 16b Rotating shaft 18 Biodegradable plastic 20 Aquarium wall

Claims (11)

A filtration device installed on the peripheral wall of the aquarium to filter the water in the aquarium,
A filter body having one or more filter media, and a drain for returning water filtered through the filter media to the water tank,
A water pump for supplying water in the water tank to the filter body;
Including
A filtration device, wherein the drain port is provided with a plurality of water channels guided so that water flows in a certain direction.   The filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the water channel has a substantially V-shaped or U-shaped cross section.   The filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the channel of the water channel has protrusions or irregularities.   The filtration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water channel is provided with a second filter medium capable of performing biological filtration.   The filtration device according to claim 4, wherein the second filter medium is a string-shaped filter medium having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the water channel.   The filtration device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second filter medium is attached to the filter medium in a detachable state.   The filtration apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second filter medium includes a biodegradable plastic inside.   8. The filtration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the particulate biodegradable plastic is contained in the second filter medium so as not to contact each other.   The filtration device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the filter medium and the second filter medium are exchanged at different times, and at least one of the filter medium or the second filter medium is used for biological filtration. A method for exchanging filter media in a filtration device that keeps microorganisms.   A filter medium capable of performing biological filtration, wherein the fibrous filter medium contains a biodegradable plastic.   The filter medium for a filtering device according to claim 10, wherein the biodegradable plastic particles are contained in the fibrous filter medium so as not to contact each other.

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