RU2771827C2 - Aquaponic system and method for growing plants and breeding fish and mollusk using aquaponic system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: fishery.

SUBSTANCE: aquaponic system includes a growing reservoir of a breeding system and cultivation beds of a growing system. Cultivation beds are arranged in two or more tiers in a vertical direction. The growing reservoir has a size and a depth that allow the storage of liquid supplied to cultivation beds in two or more tiers. The aquaponic system contains a water supply pipe located between the growing reservoir and cultivation beds, distribution pipes, each of which is located so that it passes from the water supply pipe to the cultivation bed in each of tiers. The water supply pipe is connected to a pump, and the pump supplies liquid supplied from the growing reservoir to the water supply pipe to the cultivation bed in each of tiers via each distribution pipe. Each of cultivation beds has an outlet, to which an outlet pipe is connected to release liquid from each of cultivation beds outside cultivation beds. Outlet pipes, other than the outlet pipe connected to the lower cultivation bed, are connected to a common water outlet pipe to drain liquid released from each of outlet pipes connected to the water outlet pipe into the water outlet pipe. The water outlet pipe has an outlet located above the liquid surface in the growing reservoir to supply liquid in such a way that to cause drained released liquid, drained into the water outlet pipe from the outlet of each of outlet pipes connected to the water outlet pipe, to fall from a position above the liquid surface in the growing reservoir to liquid in the growing reservoir, thereby providing aeration of liquid in the growing reservoir. The outlet of the outlet pipe connected to the lower cultivation bed is located above the liquid surface in the growing reservoir in a position different from the outlet of the water outlet pipe. The configuration forms a circulation breeding and growing system, in which liquid circulates through the growing reservoir, the pump, the water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, the outlet of each cultivation bed, the water outlet pipe and the growing reservoir. The circulation breeding and growing system contains a physical filtration device and/or a biological filtration device. Liquid circulating through the circulation breeding and growing system ensures the breeding of fish and mollusk in the growing reservoir and the growing of plants on cultivation beds.

EFFECT: group of inventions provides for the joint growing of fish, mollusk and plants.

16 cl, 5 dwg

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aquaponic system comprising a fish and shellfish rearing device and a hydroponic growing device integrated with each other, and to a method for growing plants and rearing fish and shellfish using the system.

Prior Art

[0002] The aquaponic system allows for both fish and shellfish rearing and parallel plant rearing. As a result, the aquaponic system is attracting attention and is beginning to be put into practice.

[0003] The aquaponic system includes cultivation beds configured to grow plants and a fish and shellfish breeding tank (hereinafter referred to as "grow tank"). The aquaponic system allows for the parallel implementation of rearing fish and shellfish in the grow tank and growing plants in the grow beds by pumping the liquid in the grow tank to each grow bed and causing the liquid in the grow beds to cycle into the grow tank.

[0004] As prior art aquaponic systems, systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1-5 are given.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a modular aquaponic setup. Also disclosed is an aquaponic system containing bell siphons and multilayer trays. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose that the bell siphons cause the liquid to fall, thereby aerating the liquid in the water tank with a jet of falling water.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses that the discharged water from the water tank module is forced to flow into the garden module, and the plant is grown with the water part of which is filtered. The use of bell siphons is also disclosed. However, the garden module of this invention is installed at a position lower than the water level of the water tank module and therefore it is not disclosed that the breeding water tank is subjected to adequate aeration by the discharged water falling from the bell siphons.

[0007] Patent Document 3 discloses a vertical aquaponic vegetable growing system. However, there is no disclosure that this system contains multilayer cultivation beds, nor a disclosure that this system contains a water discharge system using bell siphons. In addition, it is not disclosed that the liquid in the water reservoir is sufficiently aerated.

[0008] Patent Document 4 discloses an aquaponic system comprising an aquatic animal water tank, a plant growing apparatus, a biological filter, and a waste biodegradation unit and method. However, it is not disclosed that this system causes the discharged water from the multilayer cultivation beds to fall into a fish rearing water tank with bell siphons for aeration.

[0009] Patent Document 5 discloses a vertical aquaponic system and also discloses bell siphons. However, this system is not a water tank for fish breeding, but the system is designed to supply water through a pipe from the ecosystem of an existing pond or lake. In addition, the bell siphons do not discharge water into the fish breeding water tank, which causes aeration in the fish breeding water tank.

List of Contrasted Materials

Patent Literature

[0010] [PTL 1] US 2013/0047508 A1

[PTL 2] US 2014/0041594 A1

[PTL 3] US 2013/0160363 A1

[PTL 4] US 2014/0047767 A1

[PTL 5] US 2013/0098303 A1

The essence of the invention

Technical problem

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to implement fish and shellfish farming and plant cultivation in a fluid circulation process by using cultivation beds of two or more tiers. The plant growing system is a closed type plant growing system. The liquid in the growing tank and the liquid in the water storage tank are made to circulate and control the quality of the water, thereby improving the breeding environment and the growing environment.

Solution

[0012] [Aquaponic System 1]

The aquaponic system of the present invention is an aquaponic system comprising a rearing system and a growing system integrated with each other, the aquaponic system comprising a rearing tank of the rearing system and cultivation beds of the growing system. Cultivation beds are arranged in two or more tiers in the vertical direction. The nursery tank liquid is supplied to the multi-tier cultivation beds of two or more layers, and the cultivation bed fluid is returned to the nursery tank, thereby circulating through the breeding and growing circulation system from the nursery tank, the cultivation beds and the nursery tank. Fish and shellfish can be reared in a growing tank, and plants can be grown in cultivation beds with circulating fluid.

[0013] [Aquaponic System 2]

The aquaponic system of the present invention may include a circulating rearing system in which the liquid in the water storage tank circulates through the water storage tank, cultivation beds, and the water storage tank, and a circulating breeding system in which the liquid in the grow tank circulates through the grow tank, tank for water storage and a nursery tank. The liquid circulation can be carried out simultaneously in both circulating systems, with the implementation through this cultivation of plants, while the liquid circulates through the circulating rearing path, and while the culture of fish and shellfish is carried out, while the liquid circulates through the circulating rearing system.

[0014] [Aquaponic System 3]

The aquaponic system of the present invention is the aforementioned aquaponic system 1 or 2, in which the cultivation system may be a closed-type (indoor) circulating cultivation system. In this case, in the cultivation system, the lighting device may be positioned such that the lighting device is capable of illuminating the plants grown in the cultivation beds, thereby accelerating photosynthesis.

[0015] [Aquaponic System 4]

The aquaponic system of the present invention is any of the aquaponic systems 1 to 3 mentioned above, which may comprise both or any of a water quality control device configured to control the quality of the liquid in the rearing tank and an environmental improvement device configured to improve the environment for growing plants.

[0016] [Aquaponic System 5]

The aquaponic system of the present invention may include an air supply device configured to aerate liquid in a nursery tank or a water storage tank. The air supply device may be bell siphons or other air supply devices installed in the cultivation beds.

[0017] [Aquaponic System 6]

The aquaponic system of the present invention may comprise both or any of a physical filtration device and a biological filtration device in a circulating breeding and rearing system or a circulating breeding system. In this case, a sterilization device can also be added. A physical filtration device is a filtration device capable of filtering solids in a nursery tank or a water storage tank, and a biological filtering device is a filtering device configured to carry out nitrification to convert at least an ammonium component to a liquid in a nursery tank, or water storage tank to nitrite and with the conversion of nitrite to nitrate.

[0018] [Method 1 for growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish]

The method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish of the present invention includes rearing fish and shellfish in a nursery tank and growing plants in multi-tiered cultivation beds by using any of the aquaponic systems 1-6 mentioned above.

[0019] [Method 2 for growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish]

The method of growing plants and rearing fish and shellfish of the present invention may include activating the circulation of liquid through the circulating rearing system to grow plants in cultivation beds and further activating the circulation of liquid also through the circulating rearing system for rearing fish and shellfish in the rearing tank by using the aquaponic system mentioned above 2.

[0020] [Method 3 for growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish]

The method of growing plants and rearing fish and shellfish of the present invention may include, in the case where the growing system is a closed-type (indoor) circulating growing system, lighting the plants with a lighting device during growing in cultivation beds, thereby accelerating photosynthesis.

[0021] [Method 4 for growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish]

The method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish of the present invention may include adjusting the quality of the liquid in the rearing tank or water storage tank and breeding fish and shellfish and growing plants with controlled fluid.

[0022] [Method 5 for growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish]

The method of growing plants and rearing fish and shellfish of the present invention may include aerating a liquid in a nursery tank or a water storage tank, to thereby carry out fish and shellfish breeding and growing plants with an air-containing liquid. In this case, the liquid in the grow bed in each of the tiers can be made to fall into the liquid in the grow tank or water storage tank by means of bell siphons and agitate the liquid in the grow tank or water storage tank, thereby aerating the liquid, or the activation can also be turned on. foaming the liquid in the nursery or water storage tank from an air supply, thereby aerating the liquid.

[0023] [Method 6 for growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish]

The method of growing plants and rearing fish and shellfish of the present invention may also include, while circulating in a circulating breeding and rearing system or circulating in a circulating breeding system, performing both or any of the filtration with removal (filtration) of solids in the liquid and biological filtration with nitrification to convert at least the ammonium component in the liquid to nitrate. If necessary, the liquid in the circulation process can also be sterilized.

Advantageous Results of the Invention

[0024] The aquaponic system of the present invention has the following results. (1) Cultivation beds are arranged in a plurality of tiers in the vertical direction, and therefore the cultivation area of plants is increased even in a narrow space. (2) The liquid purified by growing plants is made to cycle into the rearing tank, and therefore the liquid suitable for fish and shellfish rearing is able to cycle into the growing tank. (3) There is a water quality control device, and therefore, a favorable environment for fish and shellfish farming and plant cultivation can be created. (4) The cultivation system is a closed-type (indoor) hydroponic circulating cultivation system, and therefore the cultivation system is less affected by outside temperature or pest damage. (5) In the growing system, the lighting device is disposed so that the lighting device is able to illuminate the plants grown in the cultivation beds, thereby accelerating photosynthesis, and therefore, plant growth can be accelerated. (6) There is an air supply device. Because of this, the liquid in the rearing tank can be aerated, increasing the dissolved oxygen in the liquid, and the oxygen can be supplied in a manner that is preferred for fish and shellfish farming and plant growing. (7) Both or one of the physical filtration device and the biological filtration device are located in the circulation system. As a consequence, the solid matter in the grow tank is filtered and the ammonium is nitrified into nitrous acid, which is necessary for plant growth. Thus, even the liquid in the growing tank can be changed into a liquid suitable for growing plants and supplied to the cultivation beds. (8) When the sterilization device is added, the circulating liquid is sterilized. Because of this, a liquid that is hygienic for fish and shellfish farming and plant growing can be supplied.

[0025] The method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish using the aquaponic system of the present invention has the following results. Any of the aquaponic systems mentioned above is used and therefore aquaponic system results can be obtained.

Brief description of drawings

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front view to illustrate an example of an aquaponic system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view to illustrate another example of the aquaponic system of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an explanatory view of the bell siphon in the aquaponic system of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the bell siphon.

Fig. 5(a), FIG. 5(b), FIG. 5(c) and FIG. 5(d) each is an explanatory view of the discharge of liquid by the bell siphon.

Description of Embodiments

[0027] Embodiments of the aquaponic system of the present invention and a method for growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish (hereinafter referred to as "breeding and rearing method") using the system are described below.

[0028] (Aquaponic System according to Embodiment 1)

The aquaponic system of the present invention, illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 comprises a nursery tank 1 for breeding fish and shellfish, cultivation beds 2 for growing plants which are arranged on a plurality of tiers at intervals in the vertical direction, a water supply pump 3 configured to inject liquid into the nursery tank 1 to supply liquid to the cultivation a bed 2 in each of the tiers, a pipe 4 for supplying water, configured to supply liquid pumped by a pump 3 for water supply to the growing tank 1, to cultivation beds 2, bell siphons 5, configured to discharge liquid on cultivation beds 2 in each from the tiers, and a pipe 6 for the release of water, made so that the discharged liquids discharged from the bell siphons 5 are combined and forced to fall into the outgrowth tank 1.

[0029] [Growing tank]

As the nursery tank 1, a nursery tank, the same as a tank of a conventional closed-type terrestrial circulating cultivation system, or a nursery tank having a new design, material and shape, can be used. The size of the rearing tank 1 is a size (tank) suitable for fish and shellfish farming, and it has a size and depth capable of storing liquid that can be supplied to the multi-tier cultivation beds 2. From the point of view of weight reduction, the rearing tank 1 made of resin is suitable . In FIG. 1, the grow tank 1 is installed in a position lower than the grow bed 2 on the lowest tier, but the grow tank 1 can be installed in a different position provided that the liquid discharged from the grow beds 2 can fall into the grow tank 1. For example, grow tank 1 may be buried in the ground or may also be located indoors or outdoors.

[0030] [Water pump]

The liquid in the growing tank 1 is pumped by the pump 3 for water supply and is supplied to the cultivation beds 2 through the pipe 4 for water supply. As the water supply pump 3, a circulating pump such as the one used in a conventional closed-type ground circulating cultivation system or a pump having a new design and function can be used. The power of the pump, the capacity of the pump, and so on are set so that the multi-tiered cultivation beds 2 can be supplied with the liquid necessary for growing plants.

[0031] [Water supply pipe]

The water supply pipe 4 is connected to the water supply pump 3 and contains distribution pipes 7 for supplying liquid in the growing tank 1, pumped by the water supply pump 3, to the cultivation bed 2 in each of the tiers. As the water supply pipe 4, a pipe made of resin or metal can be used.

[0032] [Cultivation Bed]

As the cultivation bed 2, a cultivation bed the same as that used in a conventional closed-type hydroponic circulating cultivation system or a cultivation bed having a novel design, material and shape can be used. The size, depth, length and side width of the cultivation bed 2 are set to be suitable for growing plants. From the point of view of weight reduction, a cultivation bed 2 made of resin is suitable. The bottom of the cultivation bed 2 may or may not have plant growing soil such as Hydroton, black slag, vermiculite, perlite, stone wool, coco peat, Bakelite and other cultivated soils, or combinations thereof. The number of tiers of cultivation beds 2 is chosen so as to obtain such a scale that the degree of plant development can be controlled. Multi-tiered cultivation beds 2 can be fixed on the rack 8 or installed on the rack 8 with the possibility of removal.

[0033] Although the cultivation beds 2 can be installed outdoors, the cultivation beds 2 can also be installed in a room that cannot let in sunlight, thereby forming a closed-type circulating growing system. The circulating closed-type growing system is a general purpose system capable of growing plants by installing the growing system in a room that does not let in much or cannot let in sunlight and exposes the plants to artificial light. Plant cultivation carried out on the 2 cultivation beds can be any of thin film hydroponic cultivation referred to as Nutrient Film Technology (NFT), deep flow hydroponic cultivation referred to as Deep Water Cultivation (DWC), expanded clay cultivation referred to as Ebb & Flow, and others. cultivation methods. Bell siphons 5 are used to discharge water, usually in expanded clay cultivation (can also be used in deep flow hydroponic cultivation), and in other methods, overflowing water is simply discharged. The present invention can use a drip ventilation system, which is often used in growing strawberries and so on, and any of the other systems can also be used.

[0034] [Lighting device]

If a closed-type circulating cultivation system is adopted, the present invention requires that a lighting device (not shown) be installed on the cultivation beds 2 or rack 8 to promote photosynthesis of cultivated plants with lighting from the lighting device. As the lighting device, various light emitting devices such as LED, electric lamp, fluorescent lamp, high pressure sodium lamp, metal halide lamp and plasma light source can be used. The lighting device is positioned in such a way as to evenly illuminate the plants during the growing process. The lighting device can be located on the cultivation beds 2 on all tiers or any tier.

[0035] [Bell Siphon]

The bell siphon 5 is installed on the lower surface 2a of the cultivation bed 2 in each of the tiers and is configured to collect liquid (cultivation liquid) on the cultivation bed 2 to discharge the liquid to the outside. In FIG. 1, the bell siphon 5 is connected to the cultivation bed 2 in each of the tiers, and the bell siphon 5 in each of the tiers is connected to the water outlet pipe 6, so that the liquid discharged from the bell siphon 5 in each of the tiers falls into the growing tank 1 through the outlet 2b of each cultivation bed through the pipe 6 for water outlet. The falling discharge liquid aerates the liquid in the grow tank 1 (the liquid in the grow tank 1 is agitated and oxygen is supplied to the liquid (air is supplied) to increase the dissolved oxygen).

[0036] As an example, the bell siphon 5 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises a support pipe 9 (FIG. 4) which is attached to the bottom surface 2a of the cultivation bed 2, passing through it, an inlet pipe 10, which is inserted into the support pipe 9 from above so that it protrudes into the cultivation bed 2, the outlet pipe 11, which is inserted into the support tube 9 from below so as to protrude beyond the cultivation bed 2, the vertical tube 13a which encloses the outer periphery of the inlet tube 10, and the cover 13b which encloses the top of the vertical tube 13a. In the present invention, the vertical pipe 13a and the cover 13b form a cap 12. The cap 12 is configured to protrude above the surface H of the liquid W in the cultivation bed 2. In order for the liquid W in the cultivation bed 2 to flow into the vertical pipe 13a, at the lower end of the peripheral wall vertical pipe 13a open the inlet ports 14. The inlet port 14 may be of any shape, such as troughs and holes. The number of troughs and holes can be made arbitrarily according to the amount of water discharge, and the position of the holes can also be any axial position of the vertical pipe 13a. The water outlet of the bell siphon 5 is designed in accordance with the water outlet of the cultivation bed 2.

[0037] [Bell Siphon Discharge]

When the liquid W on the cultivation bed 2, which flows into the vertical pipe 13a through the inlet ports 14 of the vertical pipe 13a (FIG. 5(a)), accumulates in the vertical pipe 13 and reaches a position higher than the upper end surface (inlet) 10a of the inlet pipe 10 (FIG. 5(b)), excess water automatically flows into the inlet pipe 10 through the inlet 10a and exits from the outlet pipe 11 into the water outlet pipe 6 (FIG. 5(d)). In the case where the liquid is supplied intermittently to the cultivation bed 2, when excess water comes out, as illustrated in FIG. 5(d), the water level in the vertical pipe 13a decreases. Meanwhile, in the case where the liquid is supplied to the cultivation bed 2 continuously, even when the liquid is discharged, the water level in the vertical pipe 13a is at a position higher than the inlet 10a of the inlet pipe 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5(c).

[0038] [Water outlet pipe]

As the water outlet pipe 6, an existing pipe made of resin or metal can be used. The water outlet pipe 6 is designed in such a way that the liquids discharged from the bell siphon 5 on the tiers are combined and forced to fall into the growing tank 1. FIG. 1 the bell siphon 5 located on the cultivation bed 2 on the lowest tier is not connected to the water outlet pipe 6 in order to make the liquid fall directly into the grow tank 1, but the bell siphons 5 located on the cultivation beds 2 on the second and subsequent tiers from the bottom, are connected to the water outlet pipe 6 so that the liquids are combined in the water outlet pipe 6 and forced to fall into the rearing tank 1.

[0039] [Physical Filtration Device and Biological Filtration Device]

The liquid in the rearing tank 1 contains the excrement of fish and shellfish during the breeding process, leftovers (remains) of food, other solids, ammonium, and so on. Preferably, solids such as feces and food scraps are filtered by a physical filtration device and ammonium (NH3) is nitrified to nitrite (NO2) and then to nitrate (NO3) by a biological filtration device (bioreactor). Nitrate (NO3) is an element important for plant growth.

[0040] <Physical Filtering Device>

As a physical filtration device, cyclone filter, radial filter, mesh filter, sponge and so on can be used alone or in combination. The physical filtration device can be installed in grow tank 1 or anywhere in a circulating breeding and rearing system in which liquid in grow tank 1 is circulated through grow tank 1, grow beds 2 and grow tank 1.

[0041] (Biological Filtration Device)

As a biological filtration device, an existing biological filtration device can be used. The biological filtration device can be installed in grow tank 1 or anywhere in the circulating breeding and rearing system in which the liquid in grow tank 1 circulates through grow tank 1, cultivation beds 2 and grow tank 1.

[0042] [Water quality control device]

Preferably, a liquid suitable for fish and shellfish farming and plant growing is used. The pH value, electrical conductivity (EC), fluid temperature, dissolved oxygen of the fluid, and so on vary depending on fish and shellfish farming and plant cultivation. In the present invention, there may be a water quality control device 15 (FIG. 1) configured to monitor the quality of the liquid in the rearing tank 1. The water quality control device is configured to measure pH, EC, liquid components, and so on with a reagent, a sensor, and so on and their regulation. The water quality control device 15 may also include a heating device, a sterilization device, an air supply device, and so on. In FIG. 1, the water quality control device 15 is located in the nursery tank 1, but the water quality control device 15 can be installed elsewhere, provided that the liquid in the nursery tank 1 can be controlled.

[0043] [pH control device]

The pH adjusting device is configured to adjust the pH value of the liquid in the rearing tank 1. As the pH adjusting device, a pH controller can be used, which, by means of a sensor, is able to detect the pH value of the liquid in the growing tank 1 and adjust the detected pH value to a pH value suitable for farming fish and shellfish and growing plants.

[0044] [EC Control Device]

EC control involves measuring the EC of a liquid with an available EC meter and automatically or manually adjusting the result of the measurement based on a setpoint so that the EC reaches the setpoint. EC can be measured using the available EC measurement tool.

[0045] [Heating device]

The heating device is configured to heat the liquid when the temperature of the liquid is low, and a temperature measuring instrument may be used to measure the temperature of the liquid, and an immersion type heater or other heaters may be used to heat the liquid. In this case, there may be a control device, a temperature control device, and so on, which are configured to adjust the drive of the heating device based on the sensed temperature and adjust the set temperature.

[0046] [Sterilization Device]

The sterilization device is capable of liquid sterilization in the growing tank 1 of bacteria, viruses, algae and so on, and can be used, for example, ultraviolet sterilization device, ozone sterilization device and other sterilization devices. The sterilization device can be located in the rearing tank 1 or anywhere in the aforementioned circulation system.

[0047] [Air supply unit]

When there is a lack of dissolved oxygen in the above-mentioned liquid, air can be supplied from the air supply device to the liquid to supply oxygen to the liquid. The air supply device is configured to maintain or increase dissolved oxygen in the liquid in the growth tank 1 and agitate the liquid to supply oxygen in the ambient air to the liquid (aeration). An air pump or a nanobubble generating device may be used, and agitation of the liquid may be carried out by causing the liquid discharged from the cultivation bed 2 to fall into the liquid in the rearing tank 1.

[0048] [Environment Improvement Device]

In the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned devices, there may also be various environmental improvement devices capable of improving the breeding environment and the plant growing environment, such as a carbon dioxide generating device and an air jet generating device.

[0049] <Carbon Dioxide Generating Device>

The carbon dioxide generating device is configured to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) to supply carbon dioxide to the air around the cultivation beds 2, thereby accelerating photosynthesis.

[0050] <Air Jet Generating Device>

The air jet generating device is configured to generate wind, and a fan, an air conditioner, and so on can be used. The generated wind is used to improve the ventilation of the periphery of the cultivation beds 2. In addition, the air jet generating device can also control the indoor temperature and humidity.

[0051] An environmental improvement device such as a carbon dioxide generating device and an air jet generating device may be installed in a plant growing room or outdoors. By improving the ventilation of the growing environment and controlling the indoor temperature and humidity, insects can also be suppressed.

[0052] As a liquid for growing plants, a liquid obtained by mixing the three main elements, nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potassium, with other main elements, such as potassium and magnesium, and beneficial elements, such as sodium and silicon, can be used, depending on the type of plant. As a liquid, for example, a chemical liquid fertilizer such as Otsuka House or Hyponica can be used. In the case of an organic cultivation aquaponic system that does not use chemical liquid fertilizer, sufficient nitrogen (nitrate) is supplied by the nitrifying action of the liquid in grow tank 1. However, the liquid is subject to deficiency of phosphoric acid, potassium, and so on, and therefore it is necessary supplement the liquid with these elements through the use of organic additives, and so on.

[0053] In the aquaponic system of FIG. 1, there may be a BP bypass shown in FIG. 1 as an imaginary line, and a physical filtration device, a biological filtration device, a sterilization device, a water quality control device 15, and so on, may also be located in the bypass BP.

[0054] [The breeding and growing method using the system of FIG. one]

As described below, by using the aquaponic system illustrated in FIG. 1, fish and shellfish are bred in the rearing tank 1, and plants are grown in the cultivation beds 2. The liquid in the growing tank 1 is pumped by the pump 3 for supplying water to the pipe 4 for supplying water, and from the pipe 4 for supplying water, the liquid diverges through distribution pipes 5 to be supplied to the cultivation bed 2 on each of the tiers. In addition, the liquid in the cultivation beds 2 is collected by the bell siphons 5 to be fed into the water outlet pipe 6 and made to fall into the growing tank 1 through the water outlet pipe 6 . In this case, the liquid in the cultivation bed 2 in the lowest tier is made to fall into the growing tank 1 directly from the bell siphon 5 installed in the cultivation bed 2 in the lowest tier. The liquid in the grow tank 1 is agitated by the falling discharged liquid, and oxygen from the ambient air is supplied to the liquid in the grow tank 1 (the liquid in the grow tank 1 is aerated). In this case, the liquids from the cultivation bed 2 on the tiers are combined in the water discharge pipe 6 and forced to fall into the growing tank 1. As a result, the discharged liquid becomes a relatively strong jet of water, thereby obtaining the ability to sufficiently aerate the liquid in the growing tank 1. in the rearing tank 1 is pumped by the water supply pump 3 and forced to circulate through the system of the water supply pipe 4, the cultivation beds 2, the bell siphons 5, the water outlet pipe 6 and the rearing tank 1 to carry out fish and shellfish farming and plant cultivation through this . At this time, it is desirable that liquid quality control be carried out in the rearing tank 1, replenishing the required amount of liquid, replacing contaminated liquid, and so on. The liquid can be pumped by the water supply pump 3 continuously or intermittently under the control of a timer.

[0055] (Aquaponic System according to Embodiment 2)

The aquaponic system of the present invention, illustrated as another example in FIG. 2, just as in Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a rearing tank 1, multi-tiered cultivation beds 2, a pump 3 for supplying water, a pipe 4 for supplying water, bell siphons 5 and a pipe 6 for discharging water. The aquaponic system of the present invention according to another example further comprises a water storage tank 16, a circulation pump 17, a supply passage 18, a physical filtration device 19, a biological filtration device 20, a sterilization device 21, and a return passage 22.

[0056] As the growing tank 1, the cultivation beds 2, the water supply pump 3, the water supply pipe 4, the bell siphons 5 and the water discharge pipe 6, the same components as in FIG. one.

[0057] The circulation pump 17 is configured to supply liquid from the nursery tank 1 to the water storage tank 16 through the supply passage 18, and a general submersible pump, a land-type pressure pump, and so on can be used.

[0058] FIG. 2, the liquid in the water storage tank 16 can be made to circulate through the cultivation circulation system from the water supply pump 3, the cultivation beds 2 and the water storage tank 16 . At the same time, the liquid in the rearing tank 1 can also be made to circulate through the dilution circulation system from the circulation pump 17, the supply passage 18, the physical filtration device 19, the biological filtration device 20, the sterilization device 21, the water storage tank 16, the water supply pump 3 and return passage 22. In this case, the liquid pumped by the water supply pump 3 is supplied both to the return passage 22 and to the water supply pipe 4. Therefore, between the return passage 22 and the water supply pipe 4, a control valve 23 (FIG. 2) is disposed in the branched portion in order to control the amount of water supply to the return passage 22 and the water supply pipe 4 by means of the control valve 23. The liquid may also be returned to the return passage 22 via a return dedicated pump (return pump) separate from the water supply pump 3 .

[0059] FIG. 2, the water storage tank 16 is located under the cultivation bed 2 on the lowest tier, and the liquid in the multi-tiered cultivation beds 2 is made to fall into the water storage tank 16 through the bell siphons 5 and the water discharge pipe 6, thereby aerating the liquid in the tank 16 for water storage. In this case, the discharge liquid from the cultivation bed 2 on the lowest tier is made to fall into the water storage tank 16 directly from the bell siphon 5 without passing through the water discharge pipe 6 .

[0060] At some midpoints of the feed passage 18, a physical filtration device 19 and a biological filtration device 20 are located. In FIG. 2, the physical filter device 19 is located on the side of the circulation pump 17 (front side in the supply direction), and the biological filter device 20 is located on the side of the water storage tank 16 (destination side in the supply direction) relative to the physical filter device 19. However, the arrangement of the physical filtration device 19 and the biological filtration device 20 may be reversed. Provided that sufficient filtration can be carried out, only one of the physical filtration device 19 and the biological filtration device 20 can be provided. The physical filtration device 19 and the biological filtration device 20 are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0061] [Lighting device]

The aquaponic system of Fig. 2 may also be a closed-type circulating cultivation system, and a lighting device may be installed to accelerate the photosynthesis of cultivated plants using the lighting from the lighting device. The lighting device in this case can also be the same as in the case of Embodiment 1.

[0062] [Physical Filtration Device, Biological Filtration Device, Water Quality Control Device, and Environment Improvement Device]

In the aquaponic system of FIG. 2, as well as the aquaponic system of Embodiment 1, there may also be a physical filtration device, a biological filtration device, a water quality control device, and an environmental improvement device.

[0063] [The breeding and growing method using the system of FIG. 2]

Fish and shellfish farming and plant cultivation is carried out using the aquaponic system illustrated in FIG. 2 in the same manner as in the case of the aquaponic system of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the liquid in the water storage tank 16 is pumped by the water supply pump 3 and supplied to the water supply pipe 4, and from the water supply pipe 4, the liquid is supplied to the cultivation bed 2 in each of the tiers, to grow plants on the cultivation bed 2 thereby. The liquid in the cultivation beds 2 is made to fall into the water storage tank 16 from the bell siphons 5 through the water outlet pipe 6 . The liquid in the cultivation bed 2 in the lowest tier can be made to fall into the water storage tank 16 directly from the bell siphon 5 installed in the cultivation bed 2 in the lowest tier. The falling liquid aerates the liquid in the water storage tank 16 . A liquid having dissolved oxygen increased by aeration is pumped by the water supply pump 3 and supplied to the return passage 22, and the liquid is supplied from the return passage 22 to the rearing tank 1, to thereby grow fish and shellfish in the rearing tank 1. The liquid in the growing tank 1 is supplied by the circulation pump 17 to the supply passage 18, and is supplied to the physical filtration device 19, the biological filtration device 20, the sterilization device 21 and the water storage tank 16. At this time, the water quality is controlled in the same way as in Embodiment 1, thereby improving the growing environment for plants.

[0064] [Fluid replenishment]

Also in the case of FIG. 2, the rearing tank 1 is desirably replenished, replaced with liquid, and so on. The circulation of liquid from the water storage tank 16 and the circulation of liquid from the rearing tank 1 may be carried out continuously or regularly (intermittently) at a predetermined time.

[0065] (Aquaponic System according to Embodiment 3)

The aquaponic system of the present invention may be a different aquaponic system than that illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Any number of tiers of cultivation beds 2 other than the illustrated number may be installed. Cultivation beds 2, having different sizes and shapes, can also be arranged in a plurality of tiers. There may also be two or more nursery tanks 1 and two or more tanks 16 for storing water. In this case, nursery tanks 1 and water storage tanks 16 may have different sizes and shapes, respectively. The water quality control device may contain the equipment and apparatus mentioned above or may not contain part of them. For example, the two tiers may also include both or either of the physical filtration device 19 and the biological filtration device 20. The water storage tank 16 may also be buried in the ground.

[0066] (Aquaponic System according to Embodiment 4)

In the aquaponic system illustrated in FIG. 1, the rearing tank 1 is located under the cultivation beds 2, and in the aquaponic system illustrated in FIG. 2, the growing tank 1 and the cultivation beds 2 are located at the same height. However, the growing tank 1 may be located above the growing beds 2. In this case, the liquid in the growing tank 1 is made to naturally fall onto the growing beds 2 to supply water to them, and the water discharged from the growing beds 2 is forced to cycle into the growing tank by means of a pump. .

[0067] (Aquaponic System according to Embodiment 5)

The aquaponic system of the present invention may comprise the aquaponic system illustrated as a basic element in FIG. 1 or fig. 2, and for scaling up the breeding system and rearing system, the base elements can be positioned in the lateral direction or in the longitudinal direction. In this case, a growing system in which the cultivation beds 2 are arranged on a rack 8 is used as a base element, and the growing systems can be arranged in the lateral direction or in the longitudinal direction, and the growing tank 1 and the water storage tank 16 can also be used, each of which has a large capacity in accordance with the increased cultivation system. In any of the cases mentioned above, at least racks 8 of cultivation systems can be connected to each other, located in the lateral direction or in the longitudinal direction. If possible, in order to connect the cultivation beds 2 to each other, the cultivation beds 2 in each block can be configured to be connected to each other in the lateral direction or in the longitudinal direction.

List of reference designations

[0068] 1 nursery tank

2 cultivation beds

2a bottom surface (of the cultivation bed)

2b outlet (cultivation bed)

3 water pump

4 water pipe

5 bell siphon

6 water outlet pipe

7 distribution pipe

8 rack

9 support pipe

10 inlet pipe

10a upper end surface (inlet) (inlet pipe)

11 outlet pipe

12 cap

13a vertical pipe

13b cover

14 inlet port (vertical pipe)

15 water quality control device

16 water storage tank

17 circulation pump

18 serving pass

19 physical filter device

20 biological filtration device

21 sterilization devices

22 return passage

23 control valve

BP bypass

H water surface

w liquid

Claims (54)

1. An aquaponic system containing a breeding system and a rearing system integrated with each other, wherein the aquaponic system comprises a rearing tank of the breeding system and cultivation beds of the growing system, wherein: cultivation beds are arranged in two or more tiers in a vertical direction; the growing tank is of a size and depth that allows storage of liquid supplied to the cultivation beds in two or more tiers; the aquaponic system additionally comprises a water supply pipe located between the growing tank and the cultivation beds, the aquaponic system further comprises distribution pipes, each of which is located so that it extends from the water supply pipe to the cultivation bed in each of the tiers; the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the pump supplies liquid supplied from the growing tank to the water supply pipe to the cultivation bed in each of the tiers through each distribution pipe; each of the cultivation beds has an outlet; an outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of each of the cultivation beds for discharging liquid from each of the cultivation beds outside the cultivation beds; outlet pipes other than the outlet pipe connected to the lower cultivation bed are connected to the common water outlet pipe to drain liquid discharged from each of the outlet pipes connected to the water outlet pipe into the water outlet pipe; the water outlet pipe has an outlet positioned above the surface of the liquid in the growth fluid supply tank so as to cause the drainable outlet liquid drained into the water outlet pipe to fall from the outlet of each of the outlet pipes connected to the water outlet pipe from a position above the surface of the liquid in the grow tank to the liquid in the grow tank, thereby providing aeration of the liquid in the grow tank; an outlet pipe connected to the lower cultivation bed is located above the surface of the liquid in the growing tank in a position different from the outlet of the water outlet pipe; the configuration forms a circulating breeding and growing system in which liquid is circulated through a grow tank, a pump, a water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, an outlet of each cultivation bed, a water outlet pipe, and a grow tank; the circulating breeding and growing system comprises a physical filtration device and/or a biological filtration device; the liquid circulating through the breeding and rearing circulatory system enables fish and shellfish to be reared in the rearing tank and the plants to grow in the cultivation beds. 2. The aquaponic system of claim 1, further comprising a water quality monitoring device configured to monitor the quality of the liquid in the nursery or water storage tank. 3. The aquaponic system of claim 1, further comprising an air supply device configured to aerate liquid in the grow tank or water storage tank. 4. Aquaponic system according to claim 1, in which: the aquaponic system comprises a closed-type circulating growing system in which cultivation beds are installed indoors in at least two tiers; and the growing system comprises a lighting device configured to illuminate the plants grown in the cultivation beds, thereby accelerating photosynthesis. 5. The aquaponic system of claim 1, wherein cultivation beds in at least two tiers of the cultivation system are used as the cultivation base member, wherein the cultivation base member is capable of being enlarged in either or both of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. 6. An aquaponic system containing a breeding system and a rearing system integrated with each other, wherein the aquaponic system comprises: a rearing tank of the breeding system; cultivation beds of the growing system and water storage tank, while: cultivation beds are arranged in two or more tiers in a vertical direction; each of the rearing tank and the water storage tank has a size and depth capable of storing liquid supplied to cultivation beds in two or more tiers; the aquaponic system further comprises a water supply pipe located between the water storage tank and the cultivation beds; the aquaponic system further comprises distribution pipes, each of which extends from the water supply pipe to the cultivation bed in each of the tiers; the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the pump supplies the liquid supplied from the nursery tank to the water supply pipe to the cultivation bed in each of the tiers through each distribution pipe; each of the cultivation beds has an outlet; an outlet pipe is connected to the outlet of each of the cultivation beds for discharging liquid from each of the cultivation beds outside the cultivation beds; outlet pipes other than the outlet pipe connected to the lower cultivation bed are connected to the common water outlet pipe to drain liquid discharged from each of the outlet pipes connected to the water outlet pipe into the water outlet pipe; the water outlet pipe has an outlet positioned above the surface of the liquid in the water storage tank so as to cause the drained outlet liquid drained into the water outlet pipe from the outlet of each of the outlet pipes connected to the water outlet pipe to fall onto the liquid in the tank for storing water, thereby providing aeration of the liquid in the water storage tank; an outlet of an outlet pipe connected to the lower cultivation bed is disposed above a liquid surface in the water storage tank at a position different from that of the outlet of the water outlet pipe; the configuration forms a circulating cultivation system in which liquid circulates through a water storage tank, a pump, a water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, an outlet of each cultivation bed, a water outlet pipe, and a water storage tank; the configuration also forms a circulating dilution system in which the liquid in the water storage tank enters the grow tank, and the liquid in the grow tank returns to the water storage tank, thereby circulating through the grow tank, the water storage tank, and the grow tank; the cultivation circulation system and/or the breeding circulation system comprises a physical filtration device and/or a biological filtration device; the liquid circulating through the circulating growing system ensures that the plants grow in the cultivation beds; and the liquid circulating through the circulating rearing system ensures the rearing of fish and shellfish in the rearing tank. 7. The aquaponic system of claim 6, further comprising a water quality monitoring device configured to monitor the quality of the liquid in the nursery or water storage tank. 8. The aquaponic system of claim 6, further comprising an air supply device configured to aerate liquid in the grow tank or water storage tank. 9. Aquaponic system according to claim 6, in which: the aquaponic system comprises a closed-type circulating growing system in which cultivation beds are installed indoors in at least two tiers; and the growing system comprises a lighting device configured to illuminate the plants grown in the cultivation beds, thereby accelerating photosynthesis. 10. The aquaponic system of claim 6, wherein the cultivation beds of at least two tiers of the cultivation system are used as the cultivation base element, wherein the cultivation base element is capable of being arranged with magnification in either or either of the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. 11. A method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish using an aquaponic system, made with the possibility of breeding fish and shellfish in a nursery tank and with the possibility of growing plants on cultivation beds in two or more tiers, wherein the aquaponic system is the aquaponic system according to claim 1, wherein the method includes rearing fish and shellfish in a nursery tank and growing plants in cultivation beds, wherein the liquid circulates through the breeding and growing circulation system from the nursery tank, pump, water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, outlet of each cultivation bed, pipe for water outlet and nursery tank in aquaponic system. 12. The method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish using an aquaponic system according to claim 11, wherein while the liquid in the rearing tank circulates through the circulating breeding and rearing system, in which the liquid circulates through the rearing tank, pump, water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, each cultivation bed outlet, water outlet pipe and nursery tank, or by a circulating breeding system in which the liquid is circulated through the nursery tank, water storage tank and nursery tank, the liquid is subjected to both or any of physical filtration and biological filtration. 13. The method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish using an aquaponic system according to claim 11, wherein during the circulation of liquid in the rearing tank through the circulating breeding and rearing system, in which the liquid circulates through the rearing tank, pump, water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, each cultivation bed outlet, water outlet pipe and nursery tank, or by a circulating breeding system in which liquid is circulated through the nursery tank, water storage tank and nursery tank, both or any of the liquid quality control and fluid replenishment. 14. A method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish using an aquaponic system, made with the possibility of breeding fish and shellfish in a nursery tank and with the possibility of growing plants on cultivation beds in two or more tiers, wherein the aquaponic system is the aquaponic system according to claim 6, the method comprising growing plants on cultivation beds, wherein liquid is circulated through the circulating cultivation system from a water storage tank, a pump, a water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, an outlet of each cultivation bed, a water outlet pipe, and a water storage tank in an aquaponic system, and rearing fish and shellfish in a rearing tank, wherein the liquid is circulated through the circulating rearing system from the rearing tank, the water storage tank, and the rearing tank. 15. The method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish using an aquaponic system according to claim 14, wherein while the liquid in the rearing tank circulates through the circulating breeding and rearing system, in which the liquid circulates through the rearing tank, pump, water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, each cultivation bed outlet, water outlet pipe and nursery tank, or by a circulating breeding system in which the liquid is circulated through the nursery tank, water storage tank and nursery tank, the liquid is subjected to both or any of physical filtration and biological filtration. 16. The method of growing plants and breeding fish and shellfish using an aquaponic system according to claim 14, wherein during the circulation of liquid in the nursery tank through the breeding and rearing circulation system, in which the liquid circulates through the nursery tank, pump, water supply pipe, distribution pipes, cultivation beds, each cultivation bed outlet, water outlet pipe and nursery tank, or by a circulating breeding system in which liquid is circulated through the nursery tank, water storage tank and nursery tank, both or any of the liquid quality control and fluid replenishment.

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