Purification device for breeding tank

Abstract

To solve such a problem that, in a conventional breeding tank, since it is necessary to supply air to both an air supply pipe and an exhaust pipe, a structure becomes complicated.SOLUTION: A breeding tank 100 comprises: a tank body 1 for storing water; an air supply device 4 that is provided with an air stone 43 at a tip end of a tube 42; purification tanks 2, 3 that are installed on a bottom side of the tank body 1, house filter media 27 to which microorganisms are attached, and are provided with water intake holes and drainage holes; and a drainage cylinder 51 that is tubular, inserted from the drainage holes of the purification tanks 2, 3, has a lower end positioned inside the purification tanks 2, 3, is provided at the lower end with a cutout portion 54 having a constricted upper part, and includes a guide 55 for positioning such that a part of the air stone 43 protrudes outward from the cutout portion 54. Air in the interior rises inside the drainage cylinder 51, seawater is drawn upward, and a seawater flow is generated inside the drainage cylinder 51. By this flow, the seawater is drawn from the purification tanks 2, 3, and the seawater is sucked in through the water intake holes, and purified inside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a breeding aquarium that can be used by circulating seawater. [Background technology]

[0002] A breeding aquarium such as that described in Patent Document 1 has been known for some time. This breeding aquarium is for seawater, and has a microorganism cultivation box provided at the bottom of the aquarium, an air pipe for introducing air into the microorganism cultivation box, and a drainage tower provided opposite the air pipe. An air stone is disposed inside the drainage tower, and the air pipe is connected to the air stone. The drainage tower is located inside a salt drip prevention box. The bottom of the salt drip prevention box and the bottom of the aquarium are connected by a communication pipe.

[0003] In this breeding tank, air is supplied to the air supply pipe to provide air to the microorganisms and maintain their decomposition ability, and air is supplied into the exhaust pipe, causing bubbles to rise, causing the water in the microorganism cultivation box to rise up the exhaust pipe, and water purified by the microorganisms is supplied to the salt drip prevention box. This water is then supplied to the aquarium through a connecting pipe at the bottom. The quality of the seawater in the breeding tank is maintained by repeating this circulation and purification process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-165774 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional breeding aquarium described above has a problem in that the structure is complicated because air needs to be sent to both the air supply pipe and the exhaust pipe. The present invention has been made to solve this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The purification device for a breeding aquarium of the present invention comprises an aquarium body for storing water, an air supply means having an air stone at the end of a tube, a purification tank installed on the bottom side of the aquarium body and containing filter material with microorganisms attached thereto and having a water intake hole and a drainage hole, and a tubular drainage pipe inserted through the drainage hole of the septic tank so that its lower end is located inside the septic tank, and the lower end has a notch with a tapered shape and a guide for positioning the air stone so that part of the air stone protrudes from the notch to the outside.

[0007] The septic tank preferably has a gate provided below the cutout and the water absorption hole, and an air layer defined by the cutout and the gate is formed.

[0008] The purification device for a breeding aquarium of the present invention comprises a box-shaped main body with an opening for water intake and a hole for drainage, an air supply means with an air stone at the end of a tube, and a tubular drainage pipe that is inserted through the drainage hole of the aerobic tank and has its lower end positioned inside the aerobic tank, with a notch at the lower end that is tapered at the top and a guide that positions the air stone so that part of it protrudes from the notch to the outside.

[0009] The opening may have a gate plate provided below it, and the main body may form an air layer defined by the notch and the gate plate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a breeding aquarium according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an assembly drawing showing the breeding tank shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the components of the breeding tank. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of seawater and air in a breeding tank. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the breeding tank. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the breeding tank. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the breeding tank. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a purification device for a breeding aquarium according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an assembly diagram of the purification device shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing components of the purification device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of water and air when the purification device is installed in a bucket. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the purification device. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the purification device. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bucket lid using the purification device. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing a deep-sea fish capturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure in the vicinity of the lid. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the capture device. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a breeding aquarium according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a purification device. [Figure 20] This is an assembly diagram of the silencer (a) and a structural diagram (b). [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the breeding aquarium according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a purification device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an assembly diagram of the purification device shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are an assembly diagram and an explanatory diagram showing the water absorption section and the water drainage section. [Figure 25] A conceptual diagram of the assembly of the main body is shown. [Figure 26] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the purification device. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a breeding aquarium according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram showing the breeding aquarium shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1(a), this breeding aquarium 100 comprises an aquarium main body 1 for breeding saltwater fish in seawater, an aerobic tank 2 provided at the bottom of the aquarium main body 1, an anaerobic tank 3 located below the aerobic tank 2, an air supply device 4 for supplying air to the seawater in the aquarium, an intake and discharge unit 5 for sucking seawater from the aerobic tank 2 and the anaerobic tank 3 and discharging it into the aquarium, and a water intake unit 6 for sucking seawater in the aquarium into the aerobic tank 2 and the anaerobic tank 3. The aerobic tank 2 and the anaerobic tank 3 are located at the bottom inside the aquarium main body 1. The aquarium main body 1 may be a dedicated product or a general-purpose product.

[0012] The air supply device 4 consists of a pump 41 that supplies air, a tube 42 connected to the pump 41, and an air stone 43 attached to the end of the tube 42. The air stone 43 is cylindrical. The suction and discharge section 5 includes a drain pipe 51, a salt drip prevention box 52 attached around it, and a drain U-shaped pipe 53. A protein skimmer 80 is installed at the top of the salt drip prevention box 52. The protein skimmer 80 eliminates stubborn bubbles and acts as a silencer. The drain pipe 51 is cylindrical, with its lower end 51a located inside the aerobic tank 2 and its upper end 51b located below the top of the aquarium body 1. The area around the lower end 51a of the drain pipe 51 is shown in Figure 3(a). The lower end 51a of the drain pipe 51 has a triangular notch 54. Furthermore, the lower end 51a is provided with a guide portion 55 that positions the air stone 43 so that it is pushed outward and diagonally downward (see Figure 5). The salt drip prevention box 52 is provided at its upper end 51b with a lid 51c having a groove through which the tube 42 passes.

[0013] The guide portion 55 is a triangular plate-like body with a slanted portion provided inside the lower end 51a so that the lower end 51a is open, but is not limited to this. The lower end 51a is inserted into the hole 21 in the top surface (bottom surface) of the aerobic tank 2, and the opening of the lower end 51a faces the hole 31 in the anaerobic tank 3. The air stone 43 is divided into a portion exposed from the cutout portion 54 (external portion 43a) and a portion located inside the drain tube 51 (internal portion 43b). The tube 42 connected to the air stone 43 extends from the top of the drain tube 51 and is connected to the pump 41. The top of the drain tube 51 is cut at an angle to allow seawater to easily drain out.

[0014] The aerobic tank 2 has a lunchbox-like shape overall, with a bottom surface 2a, side surfaces 2b, and a ceiling surface 2c. The drainage hole 21 of the aerobic tank 2 and the drainage hole 31 of the anaerobic tank 3 are positioned approximately coaxially. The drainage hole 31 of the anaerobic tank 3 is preferably smaller than the drainage hole 21 of the aerobic tank 2. This is to reduce the flow rate of seawater into the anaerobic tank 3 and ensure sufficient decomposition.

[0015] Drain tube 51 is placed inside salt drip prevention box 52. Salt drip prevention box 52 is a transparent box-shaped body, and has drain hole 22 on its bottom. Drain hole 22 is connected to drain U-shaped pipe 53. The other end of drain U-shaped pipe 53 opens into the bottom of the tank (discharge port 23). This drain U-shaped pipe 53 connects the inside of the tank to the inside of salt drip prevention box 52.

[0016] A plurality of discharge ports 51d are provided in the vertical direction on the side of the salt drip prevention box 52. The discharge ports 51d are used to discharge seawater into the tank and create a flow inside. To supply seawater to the discharge ports 51d from below, a passage is formed by a guide plate 58 with a U-shaped cross section. The guide plate 58 is made of a transparent or translucent material and is attached to the inside of the salt drip prevention box 52 so that the discharge ports 51d are located at the opening. The upper end is positioned above the water surface, and the lower end is positioned above the lower end of the salt drip prevention box 52. A hose may be attached to the outside of the discharge ports 51d to create a water flow in any direction (not shown).

[0017] The water absorption section 6 is composed of a triangular box-shaped body 61, and is located at the farthest position from the drain pipe 51. At the bottom of the water absorption section 6, a water absorption hole 26 for the aerobic tank 2 and a water absorption hole 36 for the anaerobic tank 3 are provided coaxially. The water absorption hole 36 for the anaerobic tank 3 is smaller than the water absorption hole 26 for the aerobic tank 2. This is to create an oxygen-deficient state in the anaerobic tank 3 and reduce the flow rate to ensure sufficient decomposition.

[0018] A V-shaped water intake groove 65 is provided on the top of the box-shaped body 61. This water intake groove 65 is used to suck in the supernatant seawater inside the aquarium body 1. The lid 64 can be opened and closed by moving it up and down, and when using the water intake groove 65, the lid 64 is lowered and left in the open position (see Figure 2 (b)). The sliding structure of the lid 64 may be of a known type. The lid 64 is opened and closed by pinching the tab 67. The tab 67 should be above the water surface.

[0019] The box-shaped body 61 is also provided with a water intake opening 62 for absorbing water from below the supernatant of seawater in the aquarium body 1. This water intake opening 62 is made up of multiple holes to prevent the entry of foreign matter. The water intake opening 62 may also be configured as a large hole with a lattice. This water intake opening 62 can be opened and closed by a lid 64 that can be moved up and down, and can be opened by moving the lid 64 up (see Figure 2(c)). The water intake opening 62 is positioned so that it is below the water surface. This water intake opening 62 allows seawater to be sucked in without sucking in any food floating on the water surface.

[0020] A sponge-like filter 66 is provided inside the box-like body 61 to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the filtration path. In addition to a sponge, a net-like material with small meshes may also be used as long as it has a filtering function.

[0021] An annular gate 63 is provided in the passage of the aerobic tank 2 below the water intake hole 26. The gate 63 forms a wall that is higher than the thickness of the predetermined air layer K defined by the cutout 54. This causes the air K to exit through the cutout 54 rather than through the gate 63. The gate 63 also functions as a stopper that prevents the movement of the filter media 27 in the aerobic tank 2. The shape of the gate 63 is not limited to annular. It may be a wall-like structure provided in the passage 28 as long as it functions as a stopper for the filter media 27.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the aerobic tank 2 is box-shaped, with a zigzag passage 28 formed inside by multiple partition plates 25. The passage 28 is filled with filter media 27, which supports aerobic bacteria. Porous ceramic pieces are used for the filter media 27, which increases the surface area and allows for efficient purification by bacteria. One end of the passage 28 has a water intake hole 26, and the other end of the passage 28 has a drainage hole 21. As a result, seawater absorbed through the water intake hole 26 passes through the passage 28 and is drained through the drainage hole 21. The seawater is purified by bacteria as it passes through the passage 28.

[0023] The anaerobic tank 3 is provided below the aerobic tank 2. The anaerobic tank 3, like the aerobic tank 2, is box-shaped and has approximately the same shape as the aerobic tank 2. The anaerobic tank 3 and the aerobic tank 2 are stacked to form a single unit. The ceiling of the anaerobic tank 3 forms the bottom surface 2a of the aerobic tank 2. A zigzag passage 38 is formed inside the anaerobic tank 3 by multiple partition plates 35. The passage 38 is filled with filter media 37, which supports anaerobic bacteria. The filter media 37 is made of porous ceramic pieces. This increases the surface area, allowing for efficient bacterial purification. One end of the passage 38 has a water intake hole 36, and the other end has a drainage hole 31. Seawater absorbed through the water intake hole 36 passes through the passage 38 and is drained through the drainage hole 31. The seawater is purified by bacteria as it passes through the passage 38.

[0024] The filter material 37 may be a melamine sponge, which is cut into small pieces. The melamine sponge is inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to handle.

[0025] The aerobic tank 2 and anaerobic tank 3 are integrated into independent box-shaped bodies, so they can be submerged in a general-purpose water tank. In this case, the salt drip prevention box 52, water intake section 6, aerobic tank 2, and anaerobic tank 3 can be used as a single system. This allows the user to easily install them in the water tank of their choice. The aerobic tanks 2 and 3 may be opaque so that they cannot be seen from the outside.

[0026] Next, the operation of this breeding aquarium 100 will be described. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of seawater and air in the breeding aquarium 100. The flow of seawater is indicated by dotted lines in the figure. Seawater is placed into the aquarium body 1. The seawater is stabilized in this state. The pump 41 is turned on and air is supplied to the air stone 43 via the tube 42. Air comes out of the air stone 43 in the form of bubbles. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bubbles coming out from the outer part 43a of the air stone 43 aerate the seawater and collect near the ceiling of the aerobic tank 2, spreading throughout the aerobic tank 2 through the passage 28. This supplies air to the aerobic tank 2.

[0027] The anaerobic tank 3 is located below the aerobic tank 2, and the lower end 51a of the drain pipe 51 is located in the aerobic tank 2, and the air stone 43 is located in the area of ​​the aerobic tank 2, so that the bubbles it ejects are supplied only to the aerobic tank 2, and air is not supplied to the anaerobic tank 3. As a result, the anaerobic tank 3 is in a state suitable for oxygen deficiency.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the air in the inner portion 43b rises inside the drain tube 51. This rising pulls up the seawater, causing a current of seawater inside the drain tube 51. This current draws seawater from the aerobic tank 2 and the anaerobic tank 3. As seawater is sucked up from the aerobic tank 2 and the anaerobic tank 3, it is absorbed through the water intake holes and purified inside.

[0029] In the aerobic tank 2, organic nitrogen (protein, amino acids) derived from excrement, or uric acid and urea decompose to produce ammonia, which is then decomposed by microorganisms (nitrifying bacteria: nitrite bacteria, nitrate bacteria, etc.). In the anaerobic tank 3, nitrate is removed.

[0030] Seawater rising from drain pipe 51 enters salt drip prevention box 52. There is an opening 22 at the bottom of salt drip prevention box 52, and seawater passes through drain U-shaped pipe 53 and is discharged as purified seawater from opening 23 at the bottom of tank body 1.

[0031] Seawater in the aquarium main body 1 is sucked into the top of the triangular box-shaped body 61 of the water intake section 6, and then into the aerobic tank 2 and anaerobic tank 3 through intake holes at the bottom. A water intake groove 65 is provided at the top of the box-shaped body 61, where the seawater is at the water surface. This is designed to capture and purify the organic oil film that tends to form on the surface of seawater. This series of movements purifies the seawater in the aquarium main body 1. If large foreign matter gets inside, it is captured by the filter 66. The lid 64 is then moved to close the water intake groove 65, and to take in water through the water intake opening 62, the lid 64 is slid upward to open the water intake opening 62.

[0032] Next, bubbles create an upward flow around the air stone 43, and a triangular cutout 54 is provided to separate the air stone 43 into an outer portion 43a and an inner portion 43b (see Figure 3). In the aerobic tank 2, an air layer K is formed at the top, and this air layer K is adjusted by the apex of the cutout 54, as shown in Figure 7. That is, if the air layer K becomes lower than the apex, the air moves through the cutout 54 to the discharge tube and is discharged to the outside. At this time, because of the triangular shape, the air does not overcome the cutout 54 all at once, but gradually. If the cutout were rectangular, the bubbles would overcome all at once, making them larger and making a louder sound. However, by making the cutout triangular and narrowing the area through which the bubbles can pass, the volume of the bubbles that overcome is reduced, and the sound is quieter.

[0033] The height h of the wall of the gate 63 is lower than the top of the notch 54, so that air does not escape from the gate 63.

[0034] The above configuration simplifies the piping of the tube 42 because only one air stone 43 is required. Because the air stone 43 is installed at an angle, the air stone 43 can be inserted from above along with the tube 42 and then removed directly from the notch 54. This simplifies removal and assembly when disassembling and cleaning.

[0035] As described above, the breeding aquarium 100 according to the present invention can maintain good quality of seawater in the aquarium. Furthermore, since only one air stone 43 is required, the structure is simple and maintenance is easy. In this first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), a spring tube 101 may be added to the aerobic tank 2. The spring tube 101 is a cylindrical body with a curved upper end, and its lower end opens into the interior of the aerobic tank 2 and its upper end opens toward the interior of the aerobic tank main body 1. There is no limit to the number of spring tubes 101. This allows any desired flow to be formed inside the aerobic tank main body 1.

[0036] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 8 is a structural diagram showing a purifying device for a breeding aquarium according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an assembly diagram of the purifying device. This purifying device 200 is to be placed at the bottom of a container such as a bucket. This purifying device 200 is configured with a flat, cylindrical, box-shaped main body 201 provided with an air supply device 204. The air supply device 204 is composed of a pump 241, a tube 242 connected to the pump 241, and an air stone 243 provided at the tip of the tube 242. These are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0037] The main body 201 is a box-shaped body made up of a ceiling plate 201a, side plates 201b, and a bottom plate 201c. Inside the main body 201, as shown in FIG. 9, a zigzag passage 226 is formed by a plurality of partition plates 225. The shape of the passage 226 is not limited. A drain pipe 251 is provided at the end of the passage 226. An opening 263 is provided at the start of the passage 226. As shown in FIG. 10(c), a ring-shaped gate plate 263a is provided below the opening 263, and a filter 264 with multiple holes is provided at the end of the gate plate 263a. The opening 263 may be a gate plate (not shown) provided so as to separate a portion of the passage 226 from holes provided in the main body 201 in a plan view. A sponge 265 is provided inside the opening 263.

[0038] Drain tube 251 is cylindrical, with lower end 251a located inside and upper end located above the top of main body 201. The vicinity of lower end 251a of drain tube 251 is shown in Figures 10(a) and (b). Half of lower end 251a of drain tube 251 is a notch 254, and a guide portion 255 is provided that positions air stone 243 so that it is pushed outward and diagonally downward from this notch 254.

[0039] Guide portion 255 is a triangular plate-like body having a slanted portion disposed inside lower end 251a so that lower end 251a is open, but is not limited to this. Air stone 243 is divided into a portion exposed from cutout 254 (external portion 243a) and a portion located inside drain tube 251 (internal portion 243b). Tube 242 connected to air stone 243 extends from the top of drain tube 251 and is connected to pump 241.

[0040] A filter medium 227 made of porous ceramic pieces with microorganisms attached thereto is enclosed in the passage 226, forming the aerobic tank 202. The configuration of the aerobic tank 202 is the same as in the first embodiment. If an anaerobic tank is to be formed, porous ceramic pieces with microorganisms attached thereto that form the anaerobic tank are enclosed upstream of the aerobic tank 202 (not shown). The filter medium 227 may also be a melamine sponge, as described above.

[0041] The main body 201 may be integrated with the bucket B or may be installed at the bottom of the bucket B as a separate body.

[0042] Next, how to use this purifier 200 will be explained. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of water and air when the purifier is installed in a bucket. The purifier 200 is used by placing it in a commercially available bucket B. It is installed and fixed to the bottom of the commercially available bucket B. The tube 242 of the purifier 200 installed at the bottom of bucket B is extended out from the side of bucket B, and a pump 241 is attached to the side of the bucket. Bucket B is filled with seawater, and air is supplied by the pump 241. The air is ejected as bubbles from air stones 243.

[0043] The bubbles coming out from the inner portion 243b of the air stone 243 rise inside the drain tube 251. This rising pulls up the seawater, and as shown in FIG. 12(a), a flow of seawater is generated inside the drain tube 251. This flow draws seawater in through the opening 263. The drawn seawater flows out into the bucket B from the outlet 251a at the top of the drain tube 251.

[0044] In the aerobic tank 202, the seawater decomposes organic matter, removes phosphorus, and nitrifies ammonia. As shown in Figure 12(b), bubbles coming out of the outer part 243a of the air stone 243 aerate the seawater and accumulate near the ceiling of the aerobic tank 202, spreading throughout the aerobic tank 202 through the passage 226. This supplies air to the aerobic tank 202, forming an air layer K near the ceiling.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 13, the aerobic tank 202 has a wall (the portion of the drain pipe 251 that is closer to the ceiling than the top of the notch 254) attached to the ceiling by a drain pipe 251. Meanwhile, a gate plate 263a is provided below an opening 263 having a water intake hole, and this gate plate 263a is inverted and higher than the wall of the drain pipe 251. Therefore, air in the air layer K on the ceiling moves through the notch 254 to the discharge pipe 251 and exits. At this time, because of the triangular shape, the air does not go over the notch 254 all at once, but goes over it gradually. This prevents large bubbles from being generated and reduces noise.

[0046] The air in the inner portion 243b rises inside the drain tube 251. This rising pulls up the seawater, causing a seawater flow inside the drain tube 251, and the purified seawater is discharged into the bucket B.

[0047] The lid of bucket B has an air vent. A filter is provided to prevent seawater from escaping through the air vent due to seawater splashing inside bucket B. FIG. 14 is a structural diagram showing an example of the lid of bucket B. The air vent of this lid 290 has a hole 291 in the center, and a sponge-like filter 292 is provided for this hole 291. This filter prevents seawater from escaping when purification device 200 is placed inside bucket B.

[0048] This purification device 200 can purify the seawater inside even a commercially available bucket B, making it possible to raise saltwater fish. Note that a filter-like object such as a sponge may be provided in the hole 251b of the drain pipe 251 to break down bubbles (not shown).

[0049] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 15 is a structural diagram showing a deep-sea fish trapping device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure near the lid. This trapping device 300 comprises a cylindrical, pressure-resistant metal main body 301 and a hanging string 302 connected to the main body 301. The main body 301 is a pressure-resistant container formed from a metal plate of a predetermined thickness, and has a lid 303 at its top that opens inward. The end of the operating string 303a is connected to a metal fitting 308 of the lid 303. Inside the main body 301, a purification device 200 according to the second embodiment is provided at the bottom. However, the purification device 200 is connected to an oxygen supply pipe 311 (described below), the end of which is located inside the main body of the purification device 200. The other end is connected to a check valve 310 (described below) provided in the main body 301. Furthermore, a circulation device driven by a motor 320 is provided at the end of the internal passage, and an opening 263 is provided at the beginning.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 16( a), the lid 303 is connected to the main body 301 by a hinge 304, and a seal 306 is provided around the lid 303. When the internal pressure is high, the internal pressure causes the lid 303 to close. The lid 303 is provided with a pressure-reducing valve 307 for reducing the pressure. The main body 301 is provided with a viewing window 309. The main body 301 is also provided with a check valve 310 for supplying oxygen. A flexible pure oxygen supply pipe 311 is connected to the check valve 310, the end of which is connected to the main body of the purification device 200. The check valve 310 allows pure oxygen to be supplied without leaking air or seawater to the outside, even when the internal pressure is high. Furthermore, supplying pure oxygen allows oxygen to be continuously supplied to the interior for a long period of time using a small volume. The supplied pure oxygen accumulates near the ceiling of the main body of the purification device 200, forming an oxygen layer or air layer.

[0051] The lid 303 may also have a structure shown in FIG. 16(b). In this lid 303, an annular wall portion 306b is formed inside, and an umbrella-shaped valve 303b abuts against the top of the wall portion 306b to form a pressure adjustment valve 307. A threaded shaft is provided in the center of the umbrella portion 303b, and its tip protrudes outside the lid 303, with a ring-shaped metal fitting 308 attached to the tip. The lid 303 has an opening and closing structure with a hinge 304. A small lid 303a is also provided inside the lid 303, and is connected to the lid 303 by a hinge 304a so that it can be opened and closed inward. A seal 306 is placed between the lid 303 and the main body 301. A seal is also placed on the small lid 303a to ensure a tight seal between the lid 303 and the small lid 303a.

[0052] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the capture device. In this capture device 300, the main body 301 is suspended by a hanging string 302 with the lid 303 open. As shown in FIG. 17(a), it is submerged in the sea and allowed to land on the seabed, and as shown in FIG. 17(b), the lid 303 is left open. It is left in this state for a certain period of time, and when a deep-sea fish enters the inside, as shown in FIG. 17(c), the operating string 303a is pulled to close the lid 303 and it is then pulled up. If the water pressure inside and outside is the same, the lid 303 will remain closed. When the main body 301 is pulled up in this state, the internal pressure increases, and the lid 303 is pressed against the periphery of the main body 301 from the inside, sealing it tight.

[0053] By lifting it in this state, deep-sea fish can be captured while maintaining the pressure of the deep sea. Pure oxygen is supplied to the inside through check valve 310 and pure oxygen supply pipe 311. Pure oxygen is supplied to purification device 200 from pure oxygen supply pipe 311, and as shown in Figure 13, a pure oxygen layer K is formed inside. If the oxygen inside becomes insufficient, oxygen is supplied from check valve 310 as needed. Purification device 200 has an aerobic tank formed inside, which purifies the seawater inside. The function and effect of purification device 200 are the same as in embodiment 2. Next, when used in a capture device, air is temporarily supplied, then stopped, and check valve 310 is closed.

[0054] In the case of the lid 303 shown in FIG. 16(b), the lid 303 is submerged on the seabed with the small lid 303a open and the valve 303b closed, and then the lid 303 is closed and pulled up. At this time, the decompression chamber 303c formed by the valve 303b and the lid 303 is at normal water pressure. The lid 303 is sealed by the internal pressure. When feeding the captured fish, food is placed through the small lid 303a and the small lid 303 is closed. Then, the shaft of the valve 303b is rotated to open the sealing surface 306a between the valve 303b and the wall 306b, and the food is dropped into the main body. In this state, the decompression chamber 303c becomes high pressure, and the small lid 303a is sealed. Then, the valve 303b is closed to create the sealing surface 306a. At this time, because the decompression chamber 303c is under high pressure, seawater leaks out from the threaded portion. The amount of seawater leaking is small. The threaded portion acts as a decompression structure. As a result, the pressure in the decompression chamber 303c gradually drops to normal pressure. The small lid 303a is now in a decompressed state and can be opened again. This prevents a sudden drop in pressure inside the main body when feeding.

[0055] The seawater inside is circulated by a motor 320 attached to the drain pipe that supplies air, which creates a flow with a screw and sends the seawater into the purification device. This flow causes the seawater to flow out from opening 263. This allows the seawater to circulate inside the device without the need for oxygen supply, and purification is carried out in the aerobic tank.

[0056] Furthermore, when feeding, the internal pressure is gradually reduced by the pressure regulating valve 307. When the pressure reaches atmospheric pressure, the lid 303 is opened and the food is given. The lid 303 is closed again and a pressure pump is connected to the pressure regulating valve 307 to increase the internal pressure.

[0057] As such, the capture device 300 of the present invention has a pressure-resistant main body, a lid that opens and closes inward on the main body, an oxygen generation means installed inside the main body, a viewing window installed on the main body, and a pressure adjustment valve installed on the lid or main body, so it has a simple structure that allows deep-sea fish to be captured and displayed for viewing.

[0058] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a breeding aquarium according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This breeding aquarium 400 is composed of an aquarium main body 401 for containing seawater, and a purifier 402 installed next to the aquarium main body 401. FIG. 19 shows the configuration of the purifier. This purifier 402 has multiple stages, with dividers 404 installed vertically inside a box-shaped main body 430. Each divider 404 forms a zigzag path 405. In addition, a wall 406 is provided at the end of the divider 405 to form an air layer K (a state in which pure oxygen or air accumulates in a layer below the divider 404). The thickness of the air layer K is determined by the height of the wall 406.

[0059] A drain pipe 410 is provided at the top of the main body 403. The drain pipe 410 discharges seawater into a silencer 450 in the aquarium main body 410. The silencer 450 is a transparent box-shaped body. Figure 20 shows an assembly diagram (a) and a structural diagram (b) of the silencer. The top and bottom are open, and a plurality of discharge ports 451 are provided on the side in the vertical direction. A guide plate 452 with a U-shaped cross section is arranged inside the silencer 450 for these discharge ports 451, so that seawater rises from below and is discharged from the discharge ports 451. A defoaming sponge 453 is also provided inside the silencer 450. The drain pipe 410 passes through the sponge 453. The sponge 453 is provided, for example, at a middle position in the vertical direction.

[0060] Seawater that has entered silencer 450 is supplied from drain outlet 451 into aquarium main body 401, creating a current inside. Air pump 460 supplies air to the lower part of main body 430. Air supply pipe 461 is inserted from the top to the bottom of main body 430, as shown in FIG. 19. Furthermore, pump 470 that supplies seawater is disposed in aquarium main body 401. Water supply pipe 471 connected to pump 470 is inserted from the top to the bottom of main body 430, as shown in FIG. 19. Filter medium 427 made of porous ceramic pieces with microorganisms attached is enclosed inside main body 430, forming an aerobic tank. The configuration of the aerobic tank is the same as in embodiment 1.

[0061] Seawater is sucked from this aquarium main body 401 by a pump 470 and sent to the bottom of the purification device 402. Air is supplied from the bottom of the main body 403 by an air pump 460, and this air accumulates on the backside of the partition plate 404. The overflowing air moves to the upper partition plate 404, and an air layer K is also formed on that partition plate 404. In this way, an air layer K is formed on the backside of each partition plate 404 in turn.

[0062] Seawater is supplied from the bottom of the main body 430 and purified by the filter media 427. Microorganisms obtain oxygen from the air layer K. The air is sent to the silencer 450 through the drain pipe 410. When the water pressure inside the purification device 402 increases, seawater is drained from the drain pipe 410 into the aquarium main body 401. As the water is drained into the silencer 450, the sound of bubbles can be reduced and the aeration inside the aquarium is also achieved.

[0063] This breeding aquarium 400 is highly versatile because it can be installed on a normal aquarium body 401. Furthermore, aeration into the aquarium can be performed simultaneously with the supply of air to the aerobic tank.

[0064] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the breeding aquarium according to the fourth embodiment. The purification device 402, silencer 450, and pump 470 may be configured as a single system that can be placed in a general-purpose aquarium S for use. In this case, the air pump 460 is installed on top of the main body 430, and the silencer 450 is integrated with the main body 430. In this way, the system can also be used in an aquarium S for transporting fish. It can also be applied to an aquarium S for transporting by truck or by air.

[0065] (Embodiment 5) FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a purifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is an assembly diagram of the purifier 600 shown in FIG. 22. This purifier 600 has a box-shaped main body 601, a water absorption section 602, and a drainage section 603. Inside the main body 601, multiple partition plates 604 are arranged at regular intervals to form a zigzag path 605. Holes 606 and 607 are provided at the start and end of the path 605, with the water absorption section 602 located in the starting hole 606 and the drainage section 603 located in the end hole 607. The main body 601 may be opaque or transparent. A filter medium 608 made of porous ceramic pieces to which microorganisms are attached is enclosed in the path 605, forming an aerobic tank 609.

[0066] FIG. 24 is an assembly diagram and an explanatory diagram showing the water intake and drainage sections. As shown in FIG. 24(a), the water intake section 602 has a notch 632 formed in the upper part of a cylindrical body 631. An annular slider 633 is provided around the cylindrical body 631. A filter 634 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 631, and a submersible motor 635 with water-supply fins attached to its rotating shaft is provided at the lower end. As shown in FIG. 24(b), in the assembled state, the submersible motor 635 is inserted into the lower part of the cylindrical body 631, with the filter 634 disposed above it. The slider 633 can move axially outside the cylindrical body 631, adjusting the open / close state of the notch 632.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1(b), when slider 633 is moved upward, the lower portion of notch 632 is exposed, and as a result, water is absorbed into water absorption section 602 from this portion. This state is suitable for sucking seawater from below the supernatant in the aquarium. For example, it is recommended to leave slider 633 in this position so as not to suck in food floating on the water surface. On the other hand, when slider 633 is moved downward, the upper portion of notch 632 is exposed, and water is absorbed into water absorption section 602 from this portion. This state is suitable for sucking seawater from the supernatant in the aquarium. In this case, it is suitable for taking in organic matter such as an oil film in the supernatant.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1(c), the drainage unit 603 has a drainage tube 641. A triangular notch 642 is provided at its lower end (see the enlarged view in FIG. 1(e)). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1(f), a guide unit 645 is provided at the lower end to position the air stone 643 so that it is pushed outward and diagonally downward. The guide unit 645 is a triangular plate-like body with a slanted portion provided inside the lower end so that the lower end is open, but is not limited to this. The lower end is inserted into a hole 607 in the main body 601.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6(f), air stone 643 is divided into a portion exposed from cutout 643 (external portion 643a) and a portion located inside drain tube 641 (internal portion 643b). Tube 646 connected to air stone 643 extends from the top of drain tube 641 and is connected to a pump (not shown). The top of drain tube 641 is cut at an angle to allow seawater to easily drain out.

[0070] A salt drip prevention box 647 is provided on the outside of the drain pipe 641. A plurality of outlets 647d are provided at the bottom of the salt drip prevention box 647. The outlets 647d are used to discharge seawater into the aquarium to create a flow inside. A hole is provided at the top, and a tube 646 connecting to an air stone 643 is inserted through this hole.

[0071] The tip of the drain pipe 641 is inserted into the hole 607 of the main body 601, and the air stone 643 is positioned inside the aerobic tank 609. The dimensions of the hole 607 are the same as those of the drain pipe 641. A cylindrical gate plate 636 (represented as part of the submersible motor, but not limited to this) is disposed at the bottom end of the water intake part 602, and this gate plate 636 is inserted into the hole 606 and protrudes into the aerobic tank 609. As a result, the gate plate 636 and the tip of the drain pipe 641 protrude into the aerobic tank 609, and so air inside the aerobic tank 609 remains near the ceiling inside the aerobic tank 609 unless it passes over the gate plate 636 and the drain pipe 641.

[0072] The main body 601 has a divided structure. Figure 25 shows a conceptual diagram of the main body assembly. The main body 601 is divided by partition plates 604, and in the example of Figure 25(a), it is divided into six parts. Boxes 601a and 601b at the left and right ends form the start and end points of a path 605, and are provided with holes 606 and 607 at the top for inserting a water intake part 602 and a drainage tube 641. An additional box 601c between them is provided with an inlet and an outlet that form the path 605, and is connected to another additional box 601c with an inlet and outlet at a symmetrical position. By increasing the number of these additional boxes 601c, an aerobic tank 609 of any size can be formed.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 1(b), additional boxes 601c may be grouped together to form one round trip path 605. In this case, the additional boxes 601c may be manufactured with the same structure. Since the overall size can be adjusted by connecting them, there is no limit to the number of divisions.

[0074] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of this purifier 600. This purifier 600 is submerged in any water tank S, and the submersible motor 635 of the water intake section 602 is driven. This causes seawater in the water tank S to be introduced into the passage 605 of the main body 601. A filter medium 608 is placed in the passage 605, and the seawater is purified by microorganisms attached to this filter medium 608. Air is supplied to the filter medium 608 from an air stone 643. The air sent to the air stone 643 in the drainage section 603 is supplied from the outside into the passage 605 and accumulates near the ceiling of the main body 601, forming an air layer.

[0075] The boundary between the air layer and the sea surface is the top of the notch 642 in the drain pipe 641. The gate plate 636 of the water intake section 602 is located lower than the top of the notch 642. Therefore, any excess air that is supplied is discharged from the notch 642. At this time, because of the triangular shape, the air does not go over the notch 254 all at once, but goes over it gradually. This prevents large bubbles from being generated and reduces noise.

[0076] The seawater that has passed through path 605 and been purified is returned to the aquarium S through drain pipe 641. Bubbles coming out of inner portion 243b of air stone 643 rise inside drain pipe 641. This rising pulls up the seawater, creating a current of seawater inside drain pipe 641. This current draws seawater in through path 605. The drawn-in seawater flows out of outlet 251a at the top of drain pipe 641 into salt drip prevention box 647. It is then discharged into the aquarium S through outlet 647d at the bottom of salt drip prevention box 647. This creates a current in the aquarium S.

[0077] This purification device 600 can be easily installed and used in a general-purpose water tank S. In addition, the overall dimensions can be changed by adjusting the number of additional boxes 601c, so it can be applied to a variety of water tanks. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100 breeding tanks 1 Aquarium body 2 Aerobic tank 3 Anaerobic tank 4 Air supply device 5 Suction and drainage section 6 Water absorption part 21 Drainage hole 27 Filter media 28 Passage 31 Drainage hole 43 Air Stone 51 Drain pipe 52 Salt drip prevention box 54 Cutout 55 Guide section

Claims

1. an air supply means having an air stone at the tip of a tube; a septic tank that can be installed on the bottom side of a water tank body that stores water, that houses a filter medium to which microorganisms are attached, and that has a water intake hole and a drainage hole; a tubular drain pipe that is inserted through the drainage hole of the septic tank and has its lower end positioned inside the septic tank, with a notch at the lower end that is tapered at the top, and a guide that positions the air stone so that part of it protrudes from the notch to the outside; A purification device for a breeding aquarium having the above structure.

2. 2. The purification device for a breeding aquarium according to claim 1, wherein the purification tank has a gate provided below the cutout and the water intake hole, and an air layer is formed by the cutout and the gate.

3. a box-shaped main body provided with an opening for absorbing water and a hole for draining water; an air supply means having an air stone at the tip of a tube; a tubular drainage pipe inserted through the drainage hole and positioned at its lower end inside the aerobic tank, with a notch at the lower end that is tapered at the top and a guide provided to position the air stone so that a portion of the air stone protrudes from the notch to the outside; A purification device for a breeding aquarium having the above structure.

4. The opening has a gate plate provided below it, The breeding aquarium according to claim 3 , wherein the main body forms an air layer defined by the notch and the gate plate.

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