Aquaponics system

Abstract

To reduce the burden of managing the composition of breeding water.SOLUTION: An aquaponics system 1 for breeding marine fish F and cultivating plants P using breeding water W that contains freshwater and salt comprises: a culture tank 10; a cultivation tank 20; a filtration tank 30 for adjusting the composition of the breeding water W; a freshwater supply device 41; a saltwater supply device 42; a potassium water supply device 43; a water level sensor 31; and a control device 50. The control device can perform: a water supply process in which, based on a detection result from the water level sensor 31, at least one of the freshwater supply device 41 and the saltwater supply device 42 is operated to supply to the filtration tank 30 an amount of breeding water W corresponding to the decrease from a supply stop level; and first to third potassium water supply processes in which, after execution of the water supply process, the potassium water supply device 43 is operated to supply a predetermined supply amount of potassium to the filtration tank 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a quaponics system technology that combines fish farming and plant cultivation. [Background technology]

[0002] Aquaponics system technology, which combines fish farming and plant cultivation, has been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an aquaponics system that includes a breeding tank for breeding fish and marine life and a cultivation bed for cultivating plants. In the aquaponics system, the breeding of fish and marine life and the cultivation of plants can be carried out simultaneously by circulating a liquid (breeding water) through the breeding tank and the cultivation bed.

[0004] Although freshwater fish are cultivated in the breeding tanks of Patent Document 1, if saltwater fish, which are more popular as food than freshwater fish, could be cultivated in the breeding tanks, the profitability of the aquaponics system could be improved. Regarding the cultivation of saltwater fish, research has shown that saltwater fish can be grown even in breeding water with a lower salinity than natural seawater. By raising saltwater fish and cultivating plants in breeding water with this low salinity, salt damage to the plants can be suppressed.

[0005] According to research, in order to grow saltwater fish, it is important to have potassium (K + It is necessary to maintain the ionic balance of specific components such as potassium. However, because potassium is a fertilizer for plants, simply combining the aquaponics system described in Patent Document 1 with the above research raises concerns that the potassium will be absorbed by the plants, disrupting the ionic balance of the breeding water and adversely affecting the growth of saltwater fish. Therefore, potassium must be added to the breeding water at specific times to manage the components of the breeding water, but manually adding potassium in this way places a burden on the workers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6047749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide an aquaponics system that can reduce the burden of managing the components of breeding water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0009] That is, claim 1 provides an aquaponics system for raising saltwater fish and cultivating plants using freshwater and breeding water containing salt, the aquaponics system comprising a culture tank for raising the saltwater fish, a cultivation tank for cultivating the plants, an adjustment tank for adjusting the components of the breeding water discharged from the culture tank and the cultivation tank, a freshwater supply device for supplying the freshwater to the adjustment tank, a saltwater supply device for supplying saltwater containing salt to the adjustment tank, and a device for supplying specific components that constitute the salt and are absorbed by the plants to the adjustment tank. a water volume detection unit capable of detecting the volume of the breeding water in the adjustment tank; a water supply control unit that operates at least one of the freshwater supply device and the saltwater supply device so as to supply the breeding water to the adjustment tank by an amount reduced from a predetermined first water volume based on the detection result by the water volume detection unit; and a control unit that is capable of executing a specific component supply control unit that operates the specific component supply device so as to supply a predetermined supply amount of the specific component to the adjustment tank after executing the water supply control.

[0010] In claim 2, the control unit executes the water supply control and the specific component supply control when a preset period has elapsed from a predetermined start time.

[0011] In claim 3, the control unit, in the specific component supply control, operates the specific component supply device to supply the specific component to the adjustment tank in an amount determined based on specific component concentration information indicating the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water in the adjustment tank.

[0012] In claim 4, the concentration of the specific component includes a first concentration, which is the lower limit concentration of the specific component at which the saltwater fish can be raised, and a second concentration, which is higher than the first concentration and is the target concentration of the specific component in the breeding water, and in the specific component supply control, when the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water indicated by the specific component concentration information is higher than the first concentration and lower than the second concentration, the control unit operates the specific component supply device to supply the specific component in an amount set so that the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water becomes the second concentration, in multiple installments every multiple days.

[0013] In claim 5, the concentration of the specific component includes a third concentration that is higher than the first concentration and lower than the second concentration, and in the specific component supply control, when the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water indicated by the specific component concentration information is lower than the first concentration, the control unit operates the specific component supply device to supply a supply amount of the specific component set to bring the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water to the third concentration in one day, and then operates the specific component supply device to supply a supply amount of the specific component set to bring the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water to the second concentration in multiple installments over multiple days.

[0014] In claim 6, the cultivation tank is provided with a repotting detection unit capable of detecting that the plant in the cultivation tank has been repotted, and the control unit executes the water supply control and the specific component supply control when the repotting detection unit detects that the plant has been repotted.

[0015] In claim 7, the control unit is capable of executing control to operate the specific component supply device in the specific component supply control so that the supply amount of the specific component in the latter half of the period from replanting the plant in the cultivation tank to harvesting is greater than the supply amount of the specific component in the first half of the period from replanting the plant in the cultivation tank to harvesting.

[0016] In claim 8, the device is provided with a salinity concentration detection unit capable of detecting the salinity concentration of the breeding water in the adjustment tank, and the control unit is capable of determining whether to execute the water supply control and the specific component supply control using the detection results of the water volume detection unit and the detection results of the salinity concentration detection unit.

[0017] In claim 9, the control unit is capable of measuring the timing at which the water volume in the adjustment tank decreases from the first water volume to a second water volume that is smaller than the first water volume based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit, and executes the water supply control and the specific component supply control when the decrease timing is within a specified time range and the detection result of the salinity concentration detection unit for the breeding water at the second water volume is less than a predetermined first salinity and equal to or greater than a second salinity that is smaller than the first salinity.

[0018] In claim 10, the control unit is capable of executing control to operate the freshwater supply device until the water volume in the adjustment tank reaches the first water volume based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit when the decrease timing is within a specified time range and the detection result of the salinity concentration detection unit for the breeding water of the second water volume is equal to or higher than the first salinity.

[0019] In claim 11, the control unit is capable of executing control to operate the salt water supply device until the water volume in the adjustment tank reaches the first water volume based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit when the decrease timing is within a specified time range and the detection result of the salinity concentration detection unit for the breeding water at the second water volume is less than the second salinity concentration.

[0020] In claim 12, when the decrease timing is before a specified time, the control unit is capable of executing control to operate the fresh water supply device and the salt water supply device until the water volume in the adjustment tank reaches the first water volume based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The present invention has the following effects.

[0022] In the present invention, the burden of managing the components of rearing water can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an aquaponics system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the water supply process, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing the water supply path switching process. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a first potassium water supply process in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a potassium water supply amount determination process. [Figure 5] 10A is an explanatory diagram showing a cultivation tank according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing a second potassium water supply process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a second potassium water supply process in a third embodiment. [Figure 7](a) Graph showing the relationship between water level and salinity of rearing water when only water content is reduced. (b) Graph showing the relationship between water level and salinity of rearing water when only salt content is reduced. (c) Graph showing the relationship between water level and salinity of rearing water when water content is reduced. (d) Graph showing the relationship between water level and salinity of rearing water when only potassium content is reduced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An aquaponics system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The aquaponics system 1 is a system for simultaneously cultivating fish and plants. First, an overview of the aquaponics system 1 will be described.

[0025] When cultivating fish, the water used for cultivating fish (hereinafter referred to as "breeding water W") must be purified because ammonia contained in fish waste and other substances is harmful to the fish. Specifically, the ammonia in the breeding water W must be oxidized to nitrate and nitrite, and these nitrates and other substances must be denitrified. Nitrates and other substances are weakly toxic to fish, but are nutrients for plants. The aquaponics system 1 focuses on this point and replaces the above-mentioned denitrification with plant cultivation, thereby purifying (denitrifying) the breeding water W contaminated by fish cultivation while simultaneously cultivating fish and plants.

[0026] The following describes the configuration of the aquaponics system 1. As shown in Figure 1, the aquaponics system 1 includes an aquaculture tank 10, a cultivation tank 20, a filtration tank 30, a water supply device 40, and a control device 50.

[0027] The culture tank 10 is used for cultivating saltwater fish F. The culture tank 10 stores breeding water W. Note that research has shown that saltwater fish F can be grown at a lower salt concentration than natural seawater. Therefore, in this embodiment, based on this research, saltwater fish F are cultivated using breeding water W (artificial seawater) with a salt concentration lower than natural seawater. The salt concentration of the breeding water W can be, for example, about one-third that of natural seawater. Note that the concentration of the breeding water W is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to cultivate saltwater fish F and to suppress salt damage to plants P.

[0028] The breeding water W contains, among the various mineral components that make up natural seawater, components (salts) that are considered to be essential for growing saltwater fish F. Specifically, the salts in the breeding water W include at least sodium, calcium, and potassium.

[0029] Ammonia (ammonia nitrogen) is contained in excrement of the saltwater fish F cultured in the culture tank 10. In the aquaponics system 1, the ammonia nitrogen can be oxidized to nitrate, nitrite, etc. in the filtration tank 30 described below.

[0030] The cultivation tank 20 is used to cultivate plants P. The cultivation tank 20 is supplied with breeding water W (containing nitric acid and the like) discharged from the aquaculture tank 10 (filtration tank 30). In the cultivation tank 20, the plants P can be cultivated by hydroponic cultivation using the breeding water W. For example, a cultivation method using artificial light can be adopted as the hydroponic cultivation. In the cultivation tank 20, the plants P are planted in a plurality of trays arranged on a plurality of shelves, for example. The plants P in the trays are replanted at a timing according to the growth period of the plants P. In the cultivation tank 20, the nitric acid and the like contained in the breeding water W are absorbed by the plants P, thereby denitrifying the breeding water W.

[0031] In this embodiment, hydroponic cultivation is performed using rearing water W used for cultivating saltwater fish F, not freshwater fish, and the salt concentration of the rearing water W is relatively low. Therefore, in the cultivation tank 20, even plants with relatively low salt tolerance can be cultivated while suppressing the occurrence of salt damage.

[0032] In this embodiment, plants P such as leafy vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, etc. are grown in the cultivation tank 20, but the plants P grown in the cultivation tank 20 are not limited to these. However, it is desirable that the plants P grown in the cultivation tank 20 are suitable for hydroponic cultivation and are in relatively high demand among consumers. By cultivating such plants, the profitability of cultivating the plants P can be improved.

[0033] The filtration tank 30 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is used to filter the breeding water W and adjust the composition of the breeding water W. The filtration tank 30 is provided with a filter medium capable of filtering (biological filtration) the breeding water W. By using the filter medium, it is possible to remove substances to be removed from the breeding water W. The filter medium oxidizes ammonia nitrogen (ammonia nitrogen contained in the excrement of the saltwater fish F in the aquaculture tank 10) in the breeding water W that passes through the filter medium, converting it to nitrite nitrogen, and further oxidizes the nitrite nitrogen to nitrate (nitrification). Note that the method of filtration using the filter medium is not limited to biological filtration, and physical filtration (sedimentation filtration, sand filtration, membrane filtration, foam separation, etc.) can also be used.

[0034] The filtration tank 30 stores the breeding water W and can adjust the composition of the breeding water W using a water supply device 40, which will be described later. The manner in which the composition of the breeding water W is adjusted using the water supply device 40 will be described later. The filtration tank 30 is equipped with a water level sensor 31 and a salinity sensor 32.

[0035] The water level sensor 31 shown in Fig. 2(a) is capable of detecting the water level of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30. The water level sensor 31 is provided inside the filtration tank 30. As the water level sensor 31, various sensors capable of detecting the water level can be used.

[0036] The salinity concentration sensor 32 is capable of detecting the concentration of salt in the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30. The salinity concentration sensor 32 is provided inside the filtration tank 30. As the salinity concentration sensor 32, various sensors capable of detecting salinity can be used, such as those that detect the salinity based on the measurement results of the EC (electrical conductivity) or TDS (total dissolved solids) of the breeding water W.

[0037] In the filtration tank 30, the composition of the rearing water W used in the aquaculture tank 10 and the cultivation tank 20 is adjusted and filtered, and the rearing water W after the composition adjustment is supplied to the aquaculture tank 10 and the cultivation tank 20 for reuse. As shown in Fig. 1, the filtration tank 30 is connected to the aquaculture tank 10 and the cultivation tank 20 via a pipe L through which the rearing water W can flow. The pipe L includes a first pipe L1, a second pipe L2, a third pipe L3, a fourth pipe L4, and a fifth pipe L5.

[0038] The first pipe L1 and the second pipe L2 connect the aquaculture tank 10 and the filtration tank 30 to each other. The culture water W in the filtration tank 30 is supplied to the aquaculture tank 10 through the first pipe L1 by the power of a predetermined pump. The culture water W in the aquaculture tank 10 is also discharged through the second pipe L2 and returned to the filtration tank 30. The filtration tank 30 can filter the culture water W discharged from the aquaculture tank 10 using a filter medium.

[0039] The third pipe L3 and the fourth pipe L4 connect the cultivation tank 20 and the filtration tank 30 to each other. The culture water W in the filtration tank 30 is supplied to the cultivation tank 20 via the third pipe L3 by the power of a predetermined pump. The culture water W in the cultivation tank 20 is also discharged via the fourth pipe L4 and returned to the filtration tank 30.

[0040] The fifth pipe L5 branches off from the first pipe L1 and is connected to the filtration tank 30. A switching valve (not shown) is provided at the branch point of the fifth pipe L5, which can switch between circulating the culture water W to the first pipe L1 and circulating the culture water W to the fifth pipe L5. The culture water W circulating through the fifth pipe L5 is returned to the filtration tank 30 by the power of a predetermined pump (for example, a pump shared with the first pipe L1). The culture water W can be filtered by repeatedly supplying and discharging the culture water W to and from the filtration tank 30 using the fifth pipe L5 and passing the culture water W through a filter medium.

[0041] 1 and 2 supplies liquids (fresh water, salt water, and potassium water, which will be described later) constituting the rearing water W to the filtration tank 30. The water supply device 40 includes a fresh water supply device 41, a salt water supply device 42, and a potassium water supply device 43.

[0042] The freshwater supply device 41 is capable of supplying freshwater to the filtration tank 30. Here, "freshwater" refers to water that does not contain salt, such as tap water. The freshwater supply device 41 can supply freshwater to the filtration tank 30 via a freshwater supply path 41a through which freshwater can flow.

[0043] The salt water supplying device 42 is capable of supplying salt water to the filtration tank 30. Here, "salt water" refers to water containing salts (sodium, calcium, and potassium) that constitute the breeding water W. The balance of the salt components contained in the salt water is generally similar to that of the breeding water W. Furthermore, the salt concentration of the salt water can be higher than the standard salt concentration of the breeding water W (the standard concentration described below). The salt water supplying device 42 can supply salt water to the filtration tank 30 via a salt water supply path 42a through which salt water can flow.

[0044] The potassium water supply device 43 is capable of supplying potassium water to the filtration tank 30. Here, "potassium water" refers to water containing potassium (potassium ions), which is one of the components that make up salt. The potassium ion concentration of the potassium water can be higher than the target potassium ion concentration (target concentration, described below) of the breeding water W. The potassium water supply device 43 can supply potassium water to the filtration tank 30 via a potassium water supply path 43a through which potassium water can flow.

[0045] The water supply device 40 can supply water to the filtration tank 30 using at least one of the above-mentioned devices (fresh water supply device 41, salt water supply device 42, and potassium water supply device 43). The water supply device 40 can supply at least one of fresh water, salt water, and potassium water to the filtration tank 30 by appropriately switching a water supply path switching unit (not shown) that switches between supplying water using each path (fresh water supply path 41a, salt water supply path 42a, and potassium water supply path 43a) and stopping the water supply.

[0046] The control device 50 performs various processes related to the aquaponics system 1. The control device 50 is equipped with an arithmetic device and a storage device, and can perform arithmetic processing using information stored in the storage device to perform processes related to the aquaponics system 1. The control device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with each device of the aquaponics system 1 (such as the water level sensor 31, the salinity concentration sensor 32, and the water supply device 40).

[0047] The control device 50 can control the operation of each device in the aquaponics system 1. Specifically, the control device 50 can control the operation of each device in the water supply device 40 (freshwater supply device 41, saltwater supply device 42, and potassium water supply device 43) and the water supply path switching unit. The control device 50 can also control the operation of the switching valve and pump of the piping L. The control device 50 can also acquire the detection results of the water level sensor 31 and salinity concentration sensor 32 in the filtration tank 30.

[0048] The control device 50 controls the operation of the switching valves and pumps of the piping L to circulate the breeding water W through the aquaculture tank 10, the cultivation tank 20, and the filtration tank 30. The breeding water W contains salts (sodium, calcium, and potassium) for growing saltwater fish F. It is expected that the salt concentration of the breeding water W will change due to evaporation of water and precipitation of salt. Furthermore, among the salts in the breeding water W, calcium and potassium are fertilizer components for plants P, so in the cultivation tank 20, not only nitrate and the like but also calcium and potassium are absorbed by the plants P. The amount of potassium and the like absorbed by the plants P increases as they grow.

[0049] In this way, the balance of components (salt) in the breeding water W changes due to water evaporation, salt precipitation, and absorption of potassium and other components by the plants P. Specifically, if the water (freshwater) component of the breeding water W decreases due to water evaporation, the salt concentration increases. If only the salt component of the breeding water W decreases due to salt precipitation, the salt concentration decreases. If a specific component (potassium, etc.) of the salt in the breeding water W decreases due to absorption by the plants P, the salt concentration of the breeding water W decreases as the concentration of the specific component (potassium, etc.) decreases.

[0050] For this reason, in the aquaponics system 1, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the composition of the breeding water W. The control device 50 can adjust the composition of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 by operating each device (freshwater supply device 41, saltwater supply device 42, and potassium water supply device 43) of the water supply device 40 based on the detection results of the water level sensor 31 and the salinity concentration sensor 32 to add moisture, salt, and potassium.

[0051] Below, using Figures 2 to 7, we will explain each process (water supply process, supply path switching process, first potassium water supply process, and potassium water supply amount determination process) performed by the control device 50 of the aquaponics system 1 to adjust the components of the breeding water W.

[0052] First, the "water supply process" will be described using Figure 2(a). The "water supply process" is a process in which water is supplied using the water supply device 40 so that the amount of water in the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 reaches a preset water amount. In the water supply process, the control device 50 constantly acquires the detection value of the water level sensor 31 and operates the water supply device 40 until the water level sensor 31 detects that the water level in the filtration tank 30 has reached a preset water supply stop position.

[0053] The water supply process is performed at a predetermined timing (water supply timing). As the water supply timing, various timings set for each process (such as the first potassium water supply process) described below can be used. Note that, as the water supply timing, for example, the timing when the water level sensor 31 detects that the water level in the filtration tank 30 has fallen below a preset water supply start position can also be used.

[0054] Next, the "supply path switching process" will be described. The "supply path switching process" is a process for determining (switching) the supply path (freshwater supply path 41a or saltwater supply path 42a) of the water supply device 40 depending on the components of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 when performing the water supply process described above. The supply path switching process is executed before water is actually supplied in the water supply process. The supply path switching process will be described below using the flowchart in Figure 2(b).

[0055] In step S101, the control device 50 determines whether the specific gravity of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. The reference value can be, for example, a specific gravity value (e.g., 1.005) that indicates the minimum salinity concentration required for the growth of saltwater fish F. The control device 50 can calculate the specific gravity of the breeding water W based on the detection result of the salinity concentration sensor 32, for example, and make the above determination using the calculation result. The control device 50 can also make the above determination based on the measurement result using a predetermined hydrometer. If the specific gravity of the breeding water W is greater than the reference value, it is estimated that the salinity of the breeding water W is the salinity concentration required for the growth of saltwater fish F. If the specific gravity of the breeding water W is equal to or less than the reference value, it is estimated that the salinity of the breeding water W is likely to be lower than the salinity concentration required for the growth of saltwater fish F.

[0056] When the control device 50 determines that the specific gravity of the breeding water W is greater than a predetermined reference value (step S101: NO), the control device 50 proceeds to the process of step S102 and switches the supply path of the water supply device 40 to the freshwater supply path 41a. This allows freshwater to be supplied to the filtration tank 30 in the water supply process. After executing the process of step S102, the control device 50 ends the supply path switching process.

[0057] On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines in step S101 that the specific gravity of the rearing water W in the filtration tank 30 is equal to or lower than the predetermined reference value (step S101: YES), the control device 50 proceeds to the process of step S103 and switches the supply path of the water supply device 40 to the salt water supply path 42a. This makes it possible to supply salt water to the filtration tank 30 in the water supply process. After executing the process of step S103, the control device 50 ends the supply path switching process.

[0058] By executing the supply path switching process, when the salinity of the breeding water W becomes relatively high due to, for example, water evaporation, fresh water can be supplied to the filtration tank 30. Also, when the salinity of the breeding water W becomes relatively low due to, for example, salt precipitation, salt water can be supplied to the filtration tank 30.

[0059] Next, the "first potassium water supply process" will be described. The "first potassium water supply process" is a process in which potassium water is supplied to the filtration tank 30 by operating the potassium water supply device 43 at a predetermined timing. In the breeding water W, only a specific component (potassium in this embodiment) among the salts may decrease due to absorption by the plants P. In this embodiment, potassium can be added to the breeding water W by performing the "first potassium water supply process." The first potassium water supply process will be described below using the flowchart in FIG. 3.

[0060] In step S201, the control device 50 determines whether a preset period (set period) has elapsed since a predetermined start time. The period is measured using an appropriate timer. The start time can be, for example, the timing when the plant P is planted in the cultivation tank 20. The period can be, for example, a period when the rearing water W is estimated to decrease to a certain extent, or a period when the potassium in the rearing water W is estimated to decrease to a certain extent. The period can also be set based on the amount of potassium absorbed by the plant P. Specifically, the period can be set so that the end time is before (for example, just before) the time when the amount of potassium absorbed by the plant P is estimated to be maximum.

[0061] In step S202, the control device 50 determines that it is time to supply water and executes a water supply process. At this time, a supply path switching process is executed, and water is supplied through the water supply path switched by this process. After executing the process of step S202, the control device 50 executes the process of step S203.

[0062] In step S203, the control device 50 acquires the value of the potassium concentration (potassium ion concentration) in the breeding water W at the water supply stop position, and calculates the amount of potassium water to be supplied based on the value of the potassium ion concentration. The potassium ion concentration in the breeding water W can be measured by an operator using an appropriate measuring device. In this case, the operator inputs the measurement result of the potassium ion concentration into the control device 50 via an appropriate input unit.

[0063] The control device 50 acquires the input values ​​and calculates the amount of potassium water to be supplied based on the values. At this time, the control device 50 switches the supply path of the water supply device 40 to the potassium water supply path 43a. The calculation of the amount of potassium water to be supplied is performed by the "potassium water supply amount determination process" described below. The "potassium water supply amount determination process" also determines the supply mode of potassium water (number of days for supply). After performing the process of step S203, the control device 50 performs the process of step S204.

[0064] In step S204, the control device 50 operates the potassium water supply device 43 so that potassium water is supplied at the supply amount and supply mode determined in step S203 (potassium water supply amount determination process). After executing the process of step S204, the control device 50 ends the first potassium water supply process.

[0065] Next, the "potassium water supply amount determination process" will be described. The "potassium water supply amount determination process" is a process for determining the supply amount of potassium water to be supplied in the first potassium water supply process. The "potassium water supply amount determination process" also determines the supply mode of potassium water (how many days it will take to supply the determined supply amount of potassium water). The potassium water supply amount determination process will be described below using the flowchart in FIG. 4.

[0066] In the potassium water supply amount determination process, the supply amount of potassium water is determined based on the potassium ion concentration (the potassium ion concentration input in step S203 of the first potassium water supply process) of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30. In this embodiment, a "standard concentration," a "target concentration," and a "lower limit concentration" are preset as thresholds used to determine the supply amount of potassium water.

[0067] The standard concentration is a reference (standard) value for the potassium ion concentration in the breeding water W. The standard concentration is set to a value (133 ppm) that is approximately one-third the potassium ion concentration in natural seawater (approximately 399 ppm). The target concentration is a value higher than the standard concentration and is a target value for the potassium ion concentration in the breeding water W. In this embodiment, the target concentration is set to a concentration (146 ppm) that is 10% higher than the standard concentration. The lower limit concentration is a value lower than the standard concentration and is a value that is the lower limit of the potassium ion concentration in the breeding water W. In this embodiment, the lower limit concentration is set to a concentration (120 ppm) that is 10% lower than the standard concentration.

[0068] In steps S301 to S302 of the potassium water supply amount determination process, if the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 is less than the standard concentration and is equal to or less than the lower limit concentration (step S301: YES, step S302: YES), the control device 50 proceeds to the process of step S303.

[0069] In step S303, the control device 50 calculates the amount of potassium water to be added so that the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 (the potassium ion concentration input in step S203) becomes the standard concentration, and determines this amount as the amount of potassium water to be supplied. The control device 50 also determines the potassium water supply mode so that the amount of potassium water determined in step S303 is supplied to the filtration tank 30 in one day. This potassium water supply mode allows the potassium water to be supplied in a relatively short period of time. After executing the process of step S303, the control device 50 proceeds to the process of step S304.

[0070] In step S304, the control device 50 calculates the amount of potassium water to be added so that the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30, which has now become the standard concentration, becomes the target concentration, and determines this amount as the potassium water supply amount. The control device 50 also determines the potassium water supply mode so that the potassium water at the supply amount determined in step S304 is supplied to the filtration tank 30 over several days (e.g., 7 days). This potassium water supply mode allows potassium water to be supplied gradually over a relatively long period of time. After executing the process of step S304, the control device 50 terminates the potassium water supply amount determination process.

[0071] If the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 (the potassium ion concentration input in step S203) is less than the standard concentration and higher than the lower limit concentration (step S301: YES, step S302: NO), the control device 50 proceeds to processing in step S305.

[0072] Furthermore, if the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 is equal to or higher than the standard concentration and lower than the target concentration (step S301: NO, step S306: NO), the control device 50 proceeds to the process of step S307.

[0073] In steps S305 and S307, the control device 50, similar to the process of step S305 described above, calculates the amount of potassium water to be added so that the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 becomes the target concentration, and determines this amount as the supply amount of potassium water. The control device 50 also determines the supply mode of potassium water so that the supply amount of potassium water determined in steps S305 and S307 is supplied to the filtration tank 30 over several days (e.g., 7 days). After executing the processes of steps S305 and S307, the control device 50 terminates the potassium water supply amount determination process.

[0074] In addition, if the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 is equal to or higher than the target concentration (step S306: YES), the control device 50 determines not to supply potassium water (the supply amount is 0) and terminates the potassium water supply amount determination process.

[0075] The above describes the processes (water supply process, supply path switching process, first potassium water supply process, and potassium water supply amount determination process) executed in the aquaponics system 1. These processes can reduce the burden of managing the components of the breeding water W. That is, according to the first potassium water supply process and the potassium water supply amount determination process, when the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 decreases, an amount of potassium water determined based on the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W can be automatically supplied to the filtration tank 30, thereby reducing the burden of managing the components of the breeding water W. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by replenishing the breeding water W to make up for the decrease and then executing the first potassium water supply process, a supply amount of potassium water determined based on the potassium ion concentration measured in a fixed amount of water can be supplied to the filtration tank 30.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the potassium water supply amount determination process, when the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 is equal to or lower than the lower limit concentration, it is possible to determine the amount of potassium water to be supplied so as to quickly raise the potassium ion concentration to the standard concentration. This makes it possible to prevent the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W from falling below the concentration necessary for the growth of the saltwater fish F. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a supply mode is adopted in which potassium water is supplied over one day so that the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W reaches the standard concentration. This makes it possible to quickly (within one day) raise the potassium ion concentration to the standard concentration while also preventing the potassium ion concentration from rising suddenly.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the potassium water supply amount determination process, when the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 is higher than the lower limit concentration, the amount and manner of supply of potassium water can be determined so that the potassium ion concentration is gradually increased (over 7 days) until it reaches the target concentration. As a result, when the minimum potassium ion concentration is ensured, potassium water can be supplied so that the potassium ion concentration does not increase suddenly.

[0078] Note that the content of each process in this embodiment described above is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the first potassium water supply process, if the measurement result of the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W is not input to the control device 50 in step S203, a process may be added to operate the potassium water supply device 43 to automatically supply a predetermined amount of potassium ion water. In this case, the control device 50 may assume that the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 is the standard concentration, and supply potassium ion water at a supply amount such that the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W becomes the target concentration.

[0079] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0080] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. In the following description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of common configurations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0081] The aquaponics system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the aquaponics system 1 according to the first embodiment in that a "second potassium water supply process" is performed instead of the first potassium water supply process.

[0082] The first potassium water supply process employs a configuration in which potassium water is supplied at a supply amount determined based on the measured potassium ion concentration of the culture water W after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Here, in an aquaponics system 1 that allows stable cultivation of plants P using artificial light or the like, fluctuations in the potassium ion concentration of the culture water W are easy to predict. Therefore, in the second potassium water supply process, potassium water is supplied at a predetermined supply amount at a predetermined timing based on the growth of the plants P. Specifically, in the second potassium water supply process, potassium water is supplied when the plants P in the cultivation tank 20 are replanted.

[0083] 5(a), in the second embodiment, a replanting detection unit 21 capable of detecting the timing of replanting a plant P is provided in the cultivation tank 20. The control device 50 is capable of communicating with the replanting detection unit 21 and acquiring the detection result of the replanting detection unit 21.

[0084] The plants P in the cultivation tank 20 are appropriately replanted so that they can be cultivated in an environment (position in the cultivation tank 20) ​​appropriate for their growth. In this embodiment, the plants P in the cultivation tank 20 are replanted a predetermined period (for example, 14 days) before harvesting.

[0085] In the cultivation tank 20, when plants P are replanted, for example, when the plants P are arranged so that their growth periods differ on each shelf, the tray in which the plants P are planted is moved to a shelf with an environment appropriate for the growth period. In this case, the replanting detection unit 21 detects that a tray has been placed on a shelf where no tray has been placed. Also, when plants P are replanted so that the plants P are arranged so that their growth periods differ on different positions on the same shelf, the tray in which the plants P are planted is moved so that it is located in an environment appropriate for the growth period. In this case, the replanting detection unit 21 detects the movement of the tray on the shelf. The replanting detection unit 21 can be any of a variety of sensors capable of detecting the movement of the tray position, such as an ultrasonic sensor or an infrared sensor.

[0086] The second potassium water supply process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5(b).

[0087] In step S401, the control device 50 determines whether the replanting detection unit 21 has detected the replanting of the plant P. If the control device 50 determines that the replanting detection unit 21 has detected the replanting of the plant P (step S401: YES), the control device 50 proceeds to the processing of step S402. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that the replanting detection unit 21 has not detected the replanting of the plant P (step S401: NO), the control device 50 returns to the processing of step S401.

[0088] In step S402, the control device 50 determines that it is time to supply water, and executes the water supply process (see FIG. 2(a)) in a manner generally similar to the first embodiment. At this time, a supply path switching process is executed, and water is supplied through the water supply path switched by this process. After executing the process of step S402, the control device 50 executes the process of step S403.

[0089] In step S403, the control device 50 operates the potassium water supply device 43 to supply a preset amount of potassium water to the filtration tank 30. In this embodiment, the control device 50 can operate the potassium water supply device 43 so that the amount of potassium water supplied in the latter period (last 7 days) of the period until harvest of the plants P in the cultivation tank 20 (14 days) is greater than the amount of potassium water supplied in the first period (first 7 days). After executing the processing of step S403, the control device 50 terminates the second potassium water supply processing.

[0090] According to the second potassium water supply process, a specific component can be supplied at the timing of repotting the plant P. Here, the amount of potassium absorbed by the plant P increases as the plant P grows. According to the second potassium water supply process of this embodiment, in step S403, potassium water is supplied so that the amount of potassium water supplied in the latter half of the period until harvest of the plant P is greater than the amount of potassium water supplied in the first half, thereby increasing the amount of potassium water supplied in preparation for the increase in the amount of potassium absorbed as the plant P grows.

[0091] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the following description of the other embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of common configurations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] The aquaponics system 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the aquaponics system 1 according to the first embodiment in that a "third potassium water supply process" is executed instead of the first potassium water supply process. More specifically, in the first potassium water supply process, potassium water is supplied after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, whereas in the third potassium water supply process, the timing and manner of water supply (whether to supply freshwater, saltwater, or potassium water) are determined using information on the volume and salinity of the breeding water W. In the third embodiment, the control device 50 obtains the volume of the breeding water W using the detection value of the water level sensor 31, and constantly obtains the salinity of the breeding water W using the detection value of the salinity sensor 32.

[0093] In the third potassium water supply process, a "reference concentration" and an "upper limit concentration" are preset as threshold values ​​used to determine whether to supply freshwater, saltwater, or potassium water. The reference concentration is a reference value used to determine a decrease in the salt concentration of the breeding water W. If the salt concentration of the breeding water W falls below the reference concentration, it is estimated that all of the components that make up the salt in the breeding water W have decreased. The upper limit concentration is a value that indicates the upper limit of the salt concentration of the breeding water W. Each graph shown in Figure 7 shows the relationship between the water level of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30, the salt concentration, and the elapsed time.

[0094] The third potassium water supply process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0095] In step S501, the control device 50 determines whether the water level sensor 31 has detected that the water level in the filtration tank 30 has reached the water supply start position (see FIG. 2(a)). If the control device 50 determines that the water supply start position has been detected (step S501: YES), it proceeds to the processing of step S502. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that the water supply start position has not been detected (step S501: NO), it returns to the processing of step S501.

[0096] In step S502, the control device 50 determines whether the water supply cycle is normal. Here, a "water supply cycle" refers to the period during which the water level in the filtration tank 30 decreases from the water supply stop position to the water supply start position. The control device 50 determines that the water supply cycle is normal if the water supply cycle is equal to or longer than a predetermined specified period. The specified period can be a normal period (for example, about 7 days) during which the water level in the filtration tank 30 is expected to decrease from the water supply stop position to the water supply start position when the aquaponics system 1 is used. If the water supply cycle is shorter than the specified period, it is estimated that the culture water W in the filtration tank 30 is decreasing faster than expected.

[0097] If the control device 50 determines that the water supply cycle is normal (step S502: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S503. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that the water supply cycle is not normal (step S502: NO), it proceeds to the process of step S508.

[0098] In step S503, the control device 50 determines whether the salinity concentration of the breeding water W at the water supply start position, obtained based on the detection value of the salinity concentration sensor 32, is equal to or greater than the upper limit concentration. If the control device 50 determines that the salinity concentration of the breeding water W is equal to or greater than the upper limit concentration (step S503: YES), the control device 50 proceeds to processing in step S504. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that the salinity concentration of the breeding water W is less than the upper limit concentration (step S503: NO), the control device 50 proceeds to processing in step S505.

[0099] In step S505, the control device 50 determines whether the salinity concentration of the breeding water W at the water supply start position, acquired based on the detection value of the salinity sensor 32, is equal to or higher than the reference concentration. If the control device 50 determines that the salinity concentration of the breeding water W is equal to or higher than the reference concentration (step S505: YES), the control device 50 proceeds to processing in step S506. On the other hand, if the control device 50 determines that the salinity concentration of the breeding water W is lower than the reference concentration (step S505: NO), the control device 50 proceeds to processing in step S507.

[0100] In step S504, which is reached if it is determined in step S503 that the salinity of the breeding water W is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the control device 50 operates the freshwater supply device 41 to supply freshwater until the water level in the filtration tank 30 reaches the water supply stop position. FIG. 7(a) shows an example in which the salinity of the breeding water W is equal to or greater than the upper limit for each water supply cycle (7 days). In this case, it is estimated that only water (freshwater) has decreased among the components of the breeding water W, for example, due to evaporation of water. In this embodiment, the components of the breeding water W can be adjusted by supplying freshwater to the filtration tank 30 in this case.

[0101] In step S507, which is reached when it is determined in step S505 that the salinity of the breeding water W is below the reference concentration, the control device 50 operates the salt water supply device 42 to supply salt water until the water level in the filtration tank 30 reaches the water supply stop position. FIG. 7(b) shows an example in which the salinity of the breeding water W is below the reference concentration after each water supply cycle (7 days). In this case, it is estimated that only the salt content of the breeding water W has decreased due to, for example, salt precipitation. In this embodiment, the composition of the breeding water W can be adjusted by supplying salt water to the filtration tank 30 in this case.

[0102] In step S508, which is performed if the water supply cycle is determined to be abnormal in step S502, the control device 50 operates both the freshwater supply device 41 and the saltwater supply device 42 to supply the breeding water W (freshwater and saltwater) until the water level in the filtration tank 30 reaches the water supply stop position. At this time, the control device 50 can operate the freshwater supply device 41 and the saltwater supply device 42 so that the breeding water W is supplied with a salinity concentration equal to or higher than the reference concentration but lower than the upper limit concentration. FIG. 7( c) shows an example in which the water supply cycle is less than seven days (approximately three days). In this case, it is estimated that the breeding water W itself is decreasing due to a water leak or the like. In this embodiment, the decrease in the breeding water W can be suppressed by supplying the breeding water W (freshwater and saltwater) to the filtration tank 30. In this case, the control device 50 can activate a predetermined alarm to notify the occurrence of a water leak or the like.

[0103] In step S506, which is reached when it is determined in step S503 that the salinity concentration of the breeding water W is less than the upper limit concentration and when it is determined in step S505 that the salinity concentration of the breeding water W is equal to or greater than the reference concentration, the control device 50 operates the potassium water supply device 43 to supply potassium water to the filtration tank 30. At this time, the control device 50 can operate the potassium water supply device 43 to supply a predetermined amount of potassium water after performing the water supply process (see FIG. 2(a)).

[0104] 7(d) shows an example in which the salt concentration of the rearing water W is below the upper limit concentration and above the reference concentration at each water supply cycle (7 days). In this case, it is estimated that only a specific component (potassium in this embodiment) of the salt content of the rearing water W has decreased due to absorption by the plant P, for example. In this embodiment, the components of the rearing water W can be adjusted by supplying potassium water to the filtration tank 30.

[0105] According to the above-mentioned third potassium water supply process, the components that have decreased in the breeding water W can be estimated using information on the water level and salinity of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30, and water can be supplied in a manner that corresponds to the estimated results.

[0106] As described above, the aquaponics system 1 according to this embodiment is An aquaponics system 1 for raising saltwater fish F and cultivating plants P using freshwater and salt-containing breeding water W, A culture tank 10 for raising the saltwater fish F; A cultivation tank 20 for cultivating the plant P; a filtration tank 30 (adjustment tank) that adjusts the components of the rearing water W discharged from the aquaculture tank 10 and the cultivation tank 20; a fresh water supply device 41 that supplies the fresh water to the filtration tank 30; a saltwater supply device (42) that supplies saltwater containing salt to the filtration tank (30); a potassium water supply device 43 (specific component supply device) that supplies potassium (specific component), a component that constitutes the salt and that is absorbed by the plants P, to the filtration tank 30; a water level sensor 31 (water level detection unit) capable of detecting the amount of water in the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30; a control device (control unit) that can execute a water supply process (water supply control) that operates at least one of the fresh water supply device (41) and the salt water supply device (42) so as to supply the breeding water (W) to the filtration tank (30) by an amount that is less than a predetermined water supply stop position (first water amount) based on the detection result of the water level sensor (31); and a specific component supply control (first to third potassium water supply processes) that operates the potassium water supply device (43) so as to supply a predetermined amount of potassium to the filtration tank (30) after executing the water supply process; It is equipped with the following.

[0107] This configuration reduces the burden of managing the components of the breeding water W. Specifically, in an aquaponics system 1 using breeding water W containing salt, there is a concern that the absorption of a specific component (potassium) contained in the salt by plants P could disrupt the ionic balance of the breeding water W and adversely affect the growth of saltwater fish F. For this reason, potassium must be added to the breeding water W as needed. While manual addition of the specific component at the discretion of the operator is conceivable, this would impose a significant burden on the operator. According to the present invention, potassium can be automatically supplied to the filtration tank 30 when the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 decreases, thereby reducing the burden of managing the components of the breeding water W. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by replenishing the breeding water W to make up for the decrease and then executing specific component supply control, an amount of potassium based on the potassium ion concentration measured for a certain amount of water can be supplied to the filtration tank 30.

[0108] In addition, the control device 50 When a preset period has elapsed from a predetermined start time, the water supply process and the first potassium water supply process (specific component supply control) are executed (steps S201 to S204).

[0109] With this configuration, the timing for executing the water supply process and the first potassium water supply process can be determined using the information on the elapsed period.

[0110] In addition, the control device 50 In the first potassium water supply treatment, The potassium water supply device 43 is operated to supply the potassium to the filtration tank 30 in an amount determined based on specific component concentration information indicating the potassium concentration (potassium ion concentration) of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30 (steps S203, S204).

[0111] By configuring in this manner, an amount of potassium water determined based on the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W can be automatically supplied to the filtration tank 30.

[0112] The potassium ion concentration is: A lower limit concentration (first concentration) that is the lower limit concentration of the specific component at which the saltwater fish F can be bred; a target concentration (second concentration) that is higher than the lower limit concentration and is a target concentration of potassium in the breeding water W; Contains, The control device 50 In the first potassium water supply process, if the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water W indicated by the specific component concentration information is higher than the lower limit concentration and lower than the target concentration (step S303: NO, step S303: NO), the potassium water supply device 43 is operated to supply the specific component in an amount set so that the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water W becomes the target concentration, in multiple installments every multiple days (step S305, step S307).

[0113] By configuring in this manner, the potassium ion concentration of the breeding water W can be maintained at a concentration (target concentration) that is relatively high relative to the lower limit of the potassium ion concentration that can breed saltwater fish F. Furthermore, if the potassium ion concentration is not below the lower limit concentration, potassium can be supplied in multiple doses over multiple days, rather than suddenly.

[0114] The potassium ion concentration is: a standard concentration (third concentration) that is higher than the lower limit concentration and lower than the target concentration; The control device 50 In the first potassium water supply process, if the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water W indicated by the specific component concentration information is below the lower limit concentration (step S302: YES), the potassium water supply device 43 is operated to supply a supply amount of the specific component set so that the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water W becomes the standard concentration in one day (step S303), and then the potassium water supply device 43 is operated to supply a supply amount of the potassium set so that the potassium ion concentration in the breeding water W becomes the target concentration in multiple installments over multiple days (step S304).

[0115] By configuring in this manner, when the potassium ion concentration in the breeding water W is lower than the lower limit concentration, potassium can be quickly supplied so that the potassium ion concentration reaches the standard concentration.

[0116] In addition, the Aquaponics System 1 is The planting detection unit 21 is capable of detecting that the plant P in the cultivation tank 20 has been replanted. The control device 50 When the replanting detection unit 21 detects that the plant P has been replanted, the water supply process and the second potassium water supply process are executed (steps S401 to S403).

[0117] By configuring in this way, potassium water can be supplied at the timing of replanting the plant P.

[0118] In addition, the control device 50 In the second potassium water supply process, control can be executed to operate the potassium water supply device 43 so that the amount of potassium supplied in the latter half of the period from replanting the plant P in the cultivation tank 20 to harvesting is greater than the amount of potassium supplied in the first half of the period from replanting the plant P to harvesting (step S403).

[0119] By configuring in this manner, the amount of potassium water supplied can be increased in preparation for the increase in the amount of potassium absorbed as the plant P grows.

[0120] In addition, the Aquaponics System 1 is a salinity sensor 32 (salt concentration detection unit) capable of detecting the salt concentration of the breeding water W in the filtration tank 30; The control device 50 The detection results of the water level sensor 31 and the detection results of the salinity concentration sensor 32 can be used to determine whether or not to execute the water supply process and the specific component supply control (step S506) (steps S501 to S503, step S505).

[0121] With this configuration, the timing for executing the water supply process and the specific component supply control (step S506) can be determined using information on the water volume and salinity concentration of the breeding water W.

[0122] In addition, the control device 50 Based on the detection result of the water level sensor 31, it is possible to measure the timing at which the amount of water in the filtration tank 30 decreases from the water supply stop position to a water supply start position (second water amount) that is smaller than the water supply stop position, If the decrease timing is within the specified time range (step S502: YES), and the detection result of the salinity concentration sensor 32 for the breeding water W at the water supply start position is less than a predetermined upper limit concentration (first salinity concentration) and is equal to or greater than a reference concentration (second salinity concentration) that is lower than the upper limit concentration (step S503: NO, step S505: YES), the water supply process and the specific component supply control (step S506) are executed.

[0123] By configuring in this manner, when a decrease in the potassium ion concentration in the breeding water W is estimated using information on the decrease timing and salinity concentration of the breeding water W, water supply processing and specific component supply control (step S506) can be performed.

[0124] In addition, the control device 50 If the decrease timing is within the specified time range (step S502: YES) and the detection result of the salinity concentration sensor 32 for the breeding water W at the water supply start position is equal to or higher than the upper limit concentration (step S503: YES), control can be executed to operate the freshwater supply device 41 until the water volume in the filtration tank 30 reaches the water supply stop position based on the detection result of the water level sensor 31 (step S504).

[0125] By configuring in this manner, fresh water can be supplied when an increase in the salt concentration in the breeding water W is predicted.

[0126] In addition, the control device 50 If the decrease timing is within the specified time range (step S502: YES) and the detection result of the salinity concentration sensor 32 for the breeding water W at the water supply start position is less than the reference concentration (step S505: NO), control can be executed to operate the salt water supply device 42 until the water volume in the filter tank 30 reaches the water supply stop position based on the detection result of the water level sensor 31 (step S507).

[0127] By configuring in this manner, salt can be supplied when a decrease in the salt concentration in the breeding water W is estimated.

[0128] In addition, the control device 50 If the decrease timing is before the specified time (step S502: NO), based on the detection result of the water level sensor 31, control can be executed to operate the fresh water supply device 41 and the salt water supply device 42 until the water level in the filter tank 30 reaches the water supply stop position (step S508).

[0129] By configuring in this way, when it is estimated that the breeding water W itself is decreasing, both fresh water and salt water can be supplied.

[0130] The control device 50 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the control unit according to the present invention. The filtration tank 30 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the adjusting tank according to the present invention.

[0131] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configurations and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the specific numerical values ​​exemplified in the above description are merely examples and can be modified as desired.

[0132] For example, the configuration of the aquaponics system 1 described in each of the above embodiments is an example, and the configuration of each part that makes up the aquaponics system 1 can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0133] It is also possible to add various mechanisms that are effective for cultivating saltwater fish F and plants P to the aquaponics system 1. For example, it is possible to add an impurity removal mechanism that removes chlorine and impurities from freshwater (tap water), a sterilization mechanism that disinfects and sterilizes the breeding water W, a water temperature control mechanism that controls the temperature of the breeding water W, an oxygen supply mechanism that supplies oxygen to the breeding water W, etc.

[0134] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the control device 50 automatically calculates the supply amount of potassium water based on the input value of the measurement result of the potassium ion concentration in step S203 of the first potassium water supply process, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which the supply amount of potassium water calculated without using the control device 50 is input to the control device 50, and the control device 50 operates the potassium water supply device 43 based on the input value.

[0135] Furthermore, in the second potassium water supply process and the third potassium water supply process of the present invention, examples have been shown in which a predetermined amount of potassium water is supplied when potassium water is supplied, but instead of this embodiment, it is also possible to supply an amount of potassium water determined based on the potassium water supply amount determination process (see Figure 4), generally similar to the first potassium water supply process.

[0136] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example is shown in which potassium is used as a specific component of the breeding water W, but the specific component is not limited to potassium, and various components that make up the salt content of the breeding water W and are absorbed by the plants P, such as calcium, can be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1. Aquaponics System 10 Aquaculture tank 20 cultivation tank 30 Filtration tank 40 Water supply equipment 50 Control device

Claims

1. An aquaponics system for raising saltwater fish and cultivating plants using freshwater and salty breeding water, A culture tank for raising the saltwater fish; a cultivation tank for cultivating the plant; an adjusting tank for adjusting the components of the rearing water discharged from the aquaculture tank and the cultivation tank; a freshwater supply device that supplies the freshwater to the adjustment tank; a saltwater supply device that supplies the saltwater containing salt to the adjustment tank; a specific component supply device that supplies a specific component that is a component constituting the salt and that is absorbed by the plants to the adjusting tank; a water volume detection unit capable of detecting the water volume of the breeding water in the adjustment tank; a control unit capable of executing a water supply control that operates at least one of the freshwater supply device and the saltwater supply device to supply the rearing water to the adjustment tank by an amount reduced from a predetermined first water amount based on the detection result by the water amount detection unit, and a specific component supply control that operates the specific component supply device to supply a predetermined supply amount of the specific component to the adjustment tank after executing the water supply control; An aquaponics system comprising:

2. The control unit When a preset period has elapsed from a predetermined start time, the water supply control and the specific component supply control are executed.

2. The aquaponics system of claim 1.

3. The control unit In the specific component supply control, operating the specific component supply device to supply the specific component to the adjustment tank at a supply amount determined based on specific component concentration information indicating the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water in the adjustment tank; 3. The aquaponics system of claim 2.

4. The concentration of the specific component includes: A first concentration that is the minimum concentration of the specific component at which the saltwater fish can be raised; a second concentration that is higher than the first concentration and is a target concentration of the specific component in the breeding water; Contains, The control unit In the specific component supply control, when the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water indicated by the specific component concentration information is higher than the first concentration and lower than the second concentration, the specific component supply device is operated to supply the specific component in a supply amount set so that the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water becomes the second concentration, in multiple divided doses every multiple days.

4. The aquaponics system of claim 3.

5. The concentration of the specific component includes: a third concentration that is greater than the first concentration and less than the second concentration; The control unit In the specific component supply control, when the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water indicated by the specific component concentration information is equal to or lower than the first concentration, the specific component supply device is operated to supply the specific component in a supply amount set in one day so that the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water becomes the third concentration, and then the specific component supply device is operated to supply the specific component in a supply amount set in multiple installments over multiple days so that the concentration of the specific component in the breeding water becomes the second concentration.

5. The aquaponics system of claim 4.

6. a replanting detection unit capable of detecting that the plant in the cultivation tank has been replanted; The control unit When the replanting detection unit detects that the plant has been replanted, the water supply control and the specific component supply control are executed.

2. The aquaponics system of claim 1.

7. The control unit In the specific component supply control, control can be executed to operate the specific component supply device so that the supply amount of the specific component in a latter half of the period from transplanting the plant in the cultivation tank to harvesting is greater than the supply amount of the specific component in a first half of the period from transplanting the plant in the cultivation tank to harvesting.

7. The aquaponics system of claim 6.

8. a salinity detection unit capable of detecting the salt concentration of the breeding water in the adjustment tank; The control unit It is possible to determine whether to execute the water supply control and the specific component supply control using the detection result of the water amount detection unit and the detection result of the salt concentration detection unit.

2. The aquaponics system of claim 1.

9. The control unit Based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit, it is possible to measure the timing at which the water volume in the adjustment tank decreases from the first water volume to a second water volume that is smaller than the first water volume; When the timing of decrease is within a specified time range and the detection result of the salinity detection unit for the rearing water of the second water volume is less than a predetermined first salinity and is equal to or greater than a second salinity that is smaller than the first salinity, the water supply control and the specific component supply control are executed.

9. The aquaponics system of claim 8.

10. The control unit When the timing of decrease is within a specified time range and the detection result of the salinity detection unit for the rearing water of the second water volume is equal to or higher than the first salinity, control can be executed to operate the freshwater supply device until the water volume in the adjustment tank reaches the first water volume based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit.

10. The aquaponics system of claim 9.

11. The control unit When the timing of the decrease is within a specified time range and the detection result of the salinity detection unit for the rearing water of the second water volume is less than the second salinity, control can be executed to operate the salt water supply device until the water volume in the adjustment tank reaches the first water volume based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit.

10. The aquaponics system of claim 9.

12. The control unit If the decrease timing occurs before a specified time, control can be executed to operate the fresh water supply device and the salt water supply device until the water volume in the adjustment tank reaches the first water volume based on the detection result of the water volume detection unit.

10. The aquaponics system of claim 9.

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