Water tank and aquaculture method

Abstract

To provide a water tank and a culture method capable of improving a survival rate when culturing aquatic organisms having relatively strong territorial consciousness.SOLUTION: A water tank 20 for culturing a plurality of aquatic organisms in water includes a storage part 30 in which an internal space R capable of storing water is provided, a partition part 40 which partitions the internal space R into at least two or more sections, and a control part 50 which controls the partition part 40 to: The passage part 50 is configured to allow an individual organism having a predetermined size among the plurality of aquatic organisms to pass from one section to another section adjacent to each other among the plurality of sections and not to allow an individual organism larger than the individual organism having the predetermined size to pass, and the lid part 60 (switching part) is configured to switch between the passage allowing state in which the individual organism having the predetermined size is allowed to pass through the passage part 50 and the passage restricting state in which the individual organism is restricted from passing through the passage part 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank and a cultivation method for cultivating aquatic organisms. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for aquariums and cultivation methods for cultivating aquatic organisms have been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] The land-based aquaculture device described in Patent Document 1 comprises an aquaculture tank filled with breeding water, and an actuator connected to the outer surface of the aquaculture tank to generate sonic vibrations that can be heard by farmed fish (aquatic organisms). The sonic vibrations of the actuator are transmitted to the breeding water in the tank by bone conduction, and are emitted to the farmed fish in the breeding water using the aquaculture tank as an echo medium.

[0004] This reduces stress on farmed fish, improves their appetite, and shortens the growth period, making it economically viable.

[0005] Here, aquatic organisms with a relatively strong sense of territory may be selected as the aquatic organisms to be cultivated. When cultivating fish with a relatively strong sense of territory, for example, if multiple individuals are kept in a single aquarium, it is often observed that the larger individuals attack the smaller individuals. When a larger individual attacks a smaller individual, the attacked smaller individual may suffer external injuries or be unable to eat, resulting in death from exhaustion, and the survival rate may decrease. Even if the attacked individual is isolated from the aquarium, territorial disputes will break out again among the remaining individuals, and other smaller individuals will become the target of attack.

[0006] In contrast, the land-based aquaculture device described in Patent Document 1 is expected to be economically efficient by shortening the growth period of farmed fish by emitting sound, but does not disclose any issues that may arise when cultivating aquatic organisms that have a relatively strong sense of territory. Therefore, technology that can improve the survival rate when cultivating aquatic organisms that have a relatively strong sense of territory is desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-004782 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide an aquarium and a cultivation method that can improve the survival rate when cultivating aquatic organisms that have a relatively strong sense of territory. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0010] That is, in claim 1, the aquarium is for cultivating a plurality of aquatic organisms in water, and comprises a storage section having an internal space capable of storing water, a partition section that divides the internal space into at least two or more compartments, a passage section that allows individuals of a predetermined size among the plurality of aquatic organisms to pass from one adjacent compartment to the other of the plurality of compartments in the partition section, but prevents individuals larger than the predetermined size from passing through, and a switching section that can switch between a passage allowing state that allows individuals of the predetermined size to pass through the passage section and a passage restricting state that restricts passage through the passage section.

[0011] In claim 2, the partitioning section is provided with a mounting section for mounting the partitioning section at an arbitrary position within the internal space.

[0012] In claim 3, the passage portion includes a tubular portion formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, and the inner diameter of the tubular portion is set so that an individual of the specified size can pass through, but an individual larger than the specified size cannot pass through.

[0013] In claim 4, the switching section is configured to be detachable from the passing section, and is capable of switching between the passing permitted state and the passing restricted state depending on the state of attachment / detachment.

[0014] In claim 5, the device further comprises a one-way restricting section that allows an individual of the specified size to pass through the passing section from one compartment to the other compartment, and restricts the passing through the passing section from the other compartment to the one compartment.

[0015] In claim 6, the partition sections are provided in multiple locations along a predetermined direction so that at least three or more of the multiple compartments are connected via the partition sections, and the passage sections provided in each of the partition sections are configured so that the size of individuals that can pass through among the multiple aquatic organisms gradually decreases in the order of the predetermined direction.

[0016] In claim 7, the partition portion forms a gap between the bottom forming the internal space of the storage portion and at least one of the water surface of the water stored in the internal space, the gap being large enough to prevent the multiple aquatic organisms from passing through.

[0017] Claim 8 provides a cultivation method for cultivating a plurality of aquatic organisms in water using the aquarium described in claim 1, comprising a first step of setting the switching unit to the passage-restricting state and raising the plurality of aquatic organisms in the larval stage in one of the plurality of compartments, and a second step of switching the switching unit from the passage-restricting state to the passage-permitting state according to the growth of the plurality of aquatic organisms and moving the individuals of the predetermined size to another compartment adjacent to the one compartment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The present invention has the following effects.

[0019] In the present invention, it is possible to improve the survival rate when cultivating aquatic organisms that have a relatively strong sense of territory. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an aquaponics system including an aquarium according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) A schematic plan view showing the configuration of the water tank. (b) A schematic side cross-sectional view of the same. (c) A schematic front view showing the configuration of the partition. [Figure 3] (a) A schematic plan view of the tank for rearing larval giant grouper fish. (b) A schematic side cross-sectional view of the same tank. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of an aquaculture method (compartment aquaculture method) according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] (a) A schematic side cross-sectional view of the tank during the start of aquaculture in a compartment aquaculture method. (b) A schematic side cross-sectional view of the tank during the rearing process. (c) A schematic side cross-sectional view of the tank after the lid removal process, which is one of the sorting processes, in the rearing process. [Figure 6] (a) Similarly, a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the state of the aquarium when the lid attachment step of the sorting process has been performed in the rearing process. (b) Similarly, a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the state of the aquarium when the installation position adjustment step of the sorting process has been performed in the rearing process. [Figure 7] 10A is a diagram showing the shape of a storage section according to a first modified example, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the shape of a storage section according to a second modified example. [Figure 8] 10A is a diagram showing the configuration of a passing section according to a first modified example, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the configuration of a passing section according to a second modified example. [Figure 9] 1A is a schematic front view showing the configuration of a restriction portion according to a first modified example, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view showing a grouper passing through the restriction portion according to the first modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following description, the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction are defined according to the arrows shown in the drawings.

[0022] An aquarium 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The aquarium 20 is used for cultivating aquatic organisms in water. In this embodiment, the aquarium 20 constitutes a part of an aquaponics system 1. The aquaponics system 1 cultivates aquatic organisms and plants simultaneously.

[0023] First, the configuration of the aquaponics system 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the aquaponics system 1 includes a culture tank 11, a filtration tank 12, a cultivation tank 13, and an adjustment tank 14. The aquaponics system 1 according to this embodiment is managed by an aquaculture business, and giant grouper F of the grouper family is cultivated as the aquatic organism.

[0025] The culture tank 11 is used to culture the giant grouper F. Culture water discharged from the adjustment tank 14, which will be described later, flows into the culture tank 11. The culture tank 11 is equipped with an aquarium 20. The aquarium 20 stores culture water and uses the stored culture water to culture the giant grouper F. The configuration of the aquarium 20 will be described in detail later.

[0026] The filtration tank 12 is used to filter the rearing water used in the aquaculture tank 11. In this embodiment, filtration includes both physical filtration and biological filtration. The rearing water (rearing wastewater) discharged from the aquaculture tank 11 flows into the filtration tank 12. The filtration tank 12 can filter out impurities contained in the rearing wastewater through physical filtration. The filtration tank 12 can also oxidize ammonia contained in the rearing wastewater to nitrate and nitrite through biological filtration. In this way, the filtration tank 12 generates rearing water from which impurities have been filtered and which contains nitric acid and the like.

[0027] The cultivation tank 13 is for cultivating plants (hereinafter referred to as "plants P") in breeding water containing nitric acid and the like. Breeding water discharged from the filtration tank 12 flows into the cultivation tank 13. In the cultivation tank 13, plants P can be cultivated by hydroponics using the breeding water. In addition, in the cultivation tank 13, nitrates and the like contained in the breeding water are absorbed by the plants P as nutrients, thereby denitrifying the breeding water.

[0028] The adjustment tank 14 is used to adjust the amount of rearing water circulating through the aquaponics system 1. The adjustment tank 14 is configured to be able to store rearing water. The adjustment tank 14 can also adjust the components of the circulating rearing water. The rearing water discharged from the cultivation tank 13 flows into the adjustment tank 14.

[0029] In the aquaponics system 1 configured as described above, the culture water can be circulated by using a pump to pump the culture water or by guiding the culture water that overflows from the upstream side of the circulation path to the downstream side. In this way, in the aquaponics system 1, the culture water is repeatedly circulated through the aquaculture tank 11, the filtration tank 12, the cultivation tank 13, and the adjustment tank 14.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the water tank 20 of the aquaculture tank 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0031] As described above, the aquarium 20 stores breeding water and uses the stored breeding water to breed giant grouper F. The aquarium 20 includes a storage section 30, a partition section 40, a passage section 50, and a lid section 60.

[0032] The storage section 30 is the main structure of the aquarium 20. The storage section 30 is formed in a roughly box-like shape with an open top. The storage section 30 has an internal space R surrounded by a bottom and sides. As shown in FIG. 3, the internal space R stores breeding water. The storage section 30 is formed in a longitudinal shape (roughly rectangular) extending horizontally. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the storage section 30 and the internal space R is arranged in the front-to-back direction, and the short side is arranged in the left-to-right direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when implementing the compartmentalized aquaculture method described below, the side of the internal space R where fry (larval stage) giant grouper F are raised is defined as the front side, and the opposite side is defined as the rear side.

[0033] The partition 40 divides the internal space R of the storage unit 30 into at least two or more compartments. The compartments are arranged so that they are continuous from the front side to the rear side via the partition 40. In this embodiment, the partition 40 divides the internal space R of the storage unit 30 into three compartments. Hereinafter, the three compartments may be referred to as the "first compartment R1," the "second compartment R2," and the "third compartment R3" in order from the front side to the rear side. The partition 40 is made of a permeable plastic material such as acrylic resin. As shown in FIG. 2(b) and other figures, the partition 40 includes a partition plate 41, an installation portion 42, a pipe hole portion 43, and a communication portion 44.

[0034] The partition plate 41 is the main structural element of the partition section 40. The partition plate 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape when viewed from the front. The partition plate 41 is formed so that it is substantially the same size in the left-right direction and shorter in the up-down direction relative to the size of the internal space R of the storage section 30. The partition plate 41 is installed within the internal space R with its plate surface facing the front-to-back direction. The partition plate 41 is formed with a plurality of water flow holes 45 that penetrate the partition plate 41 in the front-to-back direction. The multiple water flow holes 45 are formed at appropriate intervals so as to cover substantially the entire surface of the partition plate 41 when viewed from the front. In this way, the water flow holes 45 allow the rearing water to flow back and forth through the partition plate 41. The inner diameter of the water flow holes 45 is formed smaller than that of (and unable to pass through) the giant grouper F, a fry fish in the early stages of aquaculture.

[0035] The installation section 42 is for installing the partition section 40 at any location within the internal space R of the storage section 30. The installation sections 42 are provided at the left and right lower ends of the partition plate 41, and form the legs of the partition section 40. In this way, the installation section 42 allows the partition section 40 to be placed (installed) at any position within the internal space R of the storage section 30. In other words, the configuration of the installation section 42 allows the installation position of the partition section 40 within the water tank 20 to be changed. Furthermore, the configuration of the installation section 42 allows the partition section 40 to be easily removed from the internal space R of the storage section 30.

[0036] The pipe hole 43 is formed to penetrate the partition plate 41 in the front-rear direction. The pipe hole 43 is formed in approximately the center of the partition plate 41 when viewed from the front. A pipe member 51 of the passage portion 50, which will be described later, is attached to the pipe hole 43.

[0037] The communication section 44 is a section that connects adjacent front and rear compartments via the partition section 40. The communication sections 44 are provided at the top and bottom of the partition section 40, respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2(c) and 3(b), the upper end of the partition section 40 is formed so as to be located below the water surface of the rearing water stored in the storage section 30 (i.e., underwater). In this way, a section (hereinafter referred to as the "upper communication section 44a") that can connect adjacent front and rear compartments is formed at the upper end of the partition section 40. In addition, the lower end of the partition section 40 is formed so as to be spaced from the bottom of the storage section 30 by the installation section 42 and located above the bottom. In this way, a section (hereinafter referred to as the "lower communication section 44b") that can connect adjacent front and rear compartments is formed at the lower end of the partition section 40.

[0038] In this way, the communication sections 44 (upper communication section 44a and lower communication section 44b) allow the rearing water to flow back and forth through the partition plate 41, so that food, excrement, etc. that sinks to the bottom or floats can be moved by the water current through the partition section 40. In other words, it is possible to prevent food, excrement, etc. from remaining in one compartment. The vertical width of the communication sections 44 (upper communication section 44a and lower communication section 44b) is formed to be smaller than (to prevent passage of) juvenile giant grouper F in the early stages of aquaculture.

[0039] At least one partition section 40 configured as described above is provided. In this embodiment, two partition sections 40 are installed in a predetermined direction (front-rear direction) in the internal space R. In the following, it is assumed that the two partition sections 40 are installed in order (front-rear direction) from the front side to the rear side, and of the two partition sections 40, the front side (the partition section 40 separating the first section R1 and the second section R2) may be referred to as the "first partition section 40A," and the rear side (the partition section 40 separating the second section R2 and the third section R3) may be referred to as the "second partition section 40B."

[0040] The passage section 50 is configured to allow individuals of a predetermined size among the multiple grouper F to pass through the partition section 40. The passage section 50 is provided on the partition plate 41 of the partition section 40. The passage section 50 includes a pipe member 51.

[0041] The pipe member 51 is a substantially cylindrical member such as a PVC pipe. The pipe member 51 is installed in the pipe hole 43 of the partition 40, and is arranged with its cylindrical center facing the front-to-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the pipe member 51 has a circular internal space when viewed from the front. In this way, the pipe member 51 is configured to communicate between the front and rear compartments of the partition 40.

[0042] The inner diameter of the pipe member 51 is set according to the growth size of the giant grouper F from the early stages of cultivation to the harvest stage. That is, the inner diameter of the pipe member 51 is set so that, for example, individuals (giant grouper F) smaller than a certain size can pass through the pipe member 51 during cultivation, but individuals (giant grouper F) larger than that certain size cannot pass through.

[0043] The inner diameter of the pipe members 51 is set to be different for each of the pipe members 51 provided in each partition section 40. Specifically, the inner diameter of the pipe members 51 provided in the front partition section 40 is set to be larger (thicker) than the inner diameter of the pipe members 51 provided in the rear partition section 40. That is, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of the pipe members 51 provided in the first partition section 40A is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the pipe members 51 provided in the second partition section 40B.

[0044] The lid 60 is provided so that it can close the pipe member 51. Specifically, the lid 60 is detachable, and when attached, it closes the front and rear openings of the pipe member 51. When the lid 60 is attached, it restricts the passage of the pipe member 51, even for small-sized giant grouper F. On the other hand, when the lid 60 is detached, it allows the passage of the pipe member 51 for small-sized giant grouper F. In this way, the lid 60 is configured to be switchable between a pass-permitting state that allows the passage of the pipe member 51 for small-sized giant grouper F, and a pass-restricting state that restricts the passage of the pipe member 51, depending on whether it is attached or detached by an operator of an aquaculture business, for example.

[0045] The following describes an aquaculture method using the aquarium 20 configured as described above.

[0046] First, we will explain the issues involved in cultivating aquatic organisms with relatively strong territorial instincts, such as the giant grouper F, which is the target of cultivation in this embodiment. For example, when multiple individuals of relatively strong territorial instincts are raised in a single aquarium, larger individuals are often seen attacking smaller individuals. In such cases, the attacked smaller individuals may suffer external injuries or be unable to eat, resulting in death from exhaustion, and their survival rate may decrease. Furthermore, even if the attacked individual is isolated from the aquarium, territorial disputes may break out again among the remaining individuals, and other smaller individuals may become targets of attack.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, an operator carries out an aquaculture method using an aquarium 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "compartmental aquaculture method") to improve the survival rate even when cultivating fish that are relatively territorial. This compartmental aquaculture method uses an aquarium 20 to effectively utilize the behaviors of a fish (grouper fish F) that are relatively territorial, as shown in (A) to (C) below.

[0048] (A) When fish density is relatively high, territorial disputes are unlikely to occur. (B) They tend to prefer relatively narrow gaps. For example, in nature, they protect themselves and their territories by hiding in crevices between rocks and coral. (C) Although larger individuals will attack smaller ones, conflicts are unlikely to occur between individuals of similar size.

[0049] Next, the specific steps of the compartmentalized aquaculture method will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and FIGS.

[0050] First, as shown in step S10, the aquaculture start process is carried out. In this aquaculture start process, as an initial stage of aquaculture, a number of fry, or grouper fish F, are introduced into the first section R1 of the aquarium 20, and rearing begins. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the grouper fish F initially introduced are of a fairly uniform size, so all of the fry are introduced into one section (first section R1) as described above, and all of the fry are reared in a deliberately small space. In this way, the fish density in the first section R1 is relatively high, and territorial disputes between individuals can be suppressed (utilizing behaviors (A) and (C)).

[0051] The lid 60 is attached and in a passage restriction state that restricts the passage of the pipe member 51, so the giant grouper F cannot pass through the pipe member 51 to move to the adjacent section (second section R2). After the culture start process in step S10, the rearing process shown in step S20 is carried out.

[0052] When the rearing process shown in step S20 is executed, various processes included in the rearing process, such as feeding and cleaning of the aquarium 20, are executed. In this way, by executing the rearing process, the grouper F grows from fry to adult fish and gradually increases in size. The rearing process includes a sorting process shown in S21.

[0053] The sorting process shown in S21 is carried out when individual differences in size emerge as the group of giant groupers F grow during the rearing process. That is, as shown in FIG. 5(b), as the group of giant groupers F grow, they each grow larger, so that one section (first section R1) becomes too small (excessive fish density). Furthermore, when individual differences arise in the growth speed of the group of giant groupers F, the size of the group of giant groupers F becomes uneven. In such cases, the sorting process is carried out, for example, at the discretion of an operator. The sorting process shown in S21 includes a lid removal process (S21a), a lid attachment process (S21b), and an installation position adjustment process (S21c).

[0054] When the lid removal process shown in step S21a is executed, all of the lids 60 are removed from the pipe members 51 (put into the removed state) in both the first partition member 40A and the second partition member 40B. When the lids 60 are put into the removed state, the passage restriction state that restricts the passage of the pipe members 51 of the ballfish F is switched to a passage permission state that allows the passage of the pipe members 51. That is, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the ballfish F can move (depending on its size) from the first section R1 to the second section R2, and further from the second section R2 to the third section R3.

[0055] Here, for example, if a small grouper F is attacked by a larger one, it will run into the pipe member 51 to protect itself and then move to the next safe compartment (utilizing habit (B)). On the other hand, a large grouper F cannot pass through the pipe member 51 due to its large size and will stay in its current compartment.

[0056] 5(c), in the aquarium 20, the largest grouperfish F resides in the first section R1, the next largest grouperfish F resides in the adjacent second section R2, and the next largest (smallest) grouperfish F resides in the adjacent third section R3. In other words, once the movement of grouperfish F between the sections has settled down, the grouperfish F can be sorted into three sizes naturally (without manual isolation, for example), thereby preventing territorial disputes between individuals. Once the grouperfish F have been sorted in this way, the lid attachment process shown in step S21b is carried out.

[0057] When the lid attachment process shown in step S21b is executed, all of the lids 60 are attached to the pipe members 51 again (put into the attached state) in both the first partition member 40A and the second partition member 40B. When the lids 60 are thus in the attached state, the passage permitting state, which allows the grouper F to pass through the pipe members 51, is switched to a passage restricting state, which restricts the passage of the pipe members 51. In other words, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the movement of grouper F between the compartments is prohibited. This prevents small grouper F from accidentally entering a compartment where a larger grouper F is staying. When the movement of grouper F between the compartments is thus prohibited, the installation position adjustment process shown in step S21c is executed.

[0058] When the installation position adjustment process shown in step S21c is performed, the installation positions of the dividers 40 (first divider 40A, second divider 40B) are changed depending on the fish density in the first compartment R1, second compartment R2, and third compartment R3 after sorting. In other words, when the grouper F are sorted in the lid removal process and lid attachment process, the size and number of grouper F vary from compartment to compartment, so the fish density may be inappropriate in some compartments. In such cases, the installation positions of the dividers 40 can be changed to change the size of the space in each compartment and adjust the fish density in each compartment to an appropriate level.

[0059] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the fish density in the first section R1 is excessively low, while the fish density in the second section R2 is excessively high. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the first partition 40A is moved forward to change the installation position of the first partition 40A. This reduces the space in the first section R1, improving the fish density in the first section R1 to an appropriate level. Furthermore, the space in the second section R2 is increased, improving the fish density in the second section R2 to an appropriate level. In other words, territorial disputes between individuals can be suppressed in both the first section R1 and the second section R2 (utilizing behaviors (A) and (C)). Once the installation position adjustment process is performed, the sorting process is completed.

[0060] In this way, when the grown giant grouper F reaches the harvest stage in the rearing process of step S20 (which includes a sorting process), the culturing termination process shown in step S30 is carried out.

[0061] When the culture termination step shown in step S30 is executed, the culture enters the harvesting stage, and the grown giant grouper F is harvested from the tank 20. When the giant grouper F is harvested in this way, the execution of the compartment culture method is terminated.

[0062] In this way, in the compartmentalized aquaculture method, by carrying out the aquaculture start process (S20) and the sorting process (S21) (the lid removal process (S21a), the lid attachment process (S21b), and the installation position adjustment process (S21c)), territorial disputes between the giant clams F can be suppressed, and ultimately the survival rate of the giant clams F can be improved.

[0063] Although the 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.

[0064] For example, although the aquarium 20 is described as constituting a part of the aquaponics system, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the aquarium 20 may be used for land-based aquaculture independently of the aquaponics system.

[0065] In this embodiment, the grouper shell has been described as an example of an aquatic organism to be cultivated, but this is not limiting. In other words, the aquatic organism to be cultivated may be fish other than the grouper shell, and any organism other than fish, such as shrimp or other crustaceans, may be selected.

[0066] The shape of the aquarium 20 (storage section 30) is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape. For example, it may be circular in plan view, as in the storage section 30 according to a first modified example shown in FIG. 7(a). In the storage section 30 according to the first modified example, the internal space R is divided into four compartments. That is, the four compartments are arranged continuously in the circumferential direction. It may also be raceway-shaped, as in the storage section 30 according to a second modified example shown in FIG. 7(b). In the storage section 30 according to the second modified example, the compartments are arranged in two rows, one on the left and one on the right, between the frontmost compartment and the rearmost compartment. In this way, the shape of the storage section (and further each compartment), as well as the number and arrangement of the partitions, are not limited and can be changed as desired by the operator according to the growth stage and period of the aquatic organisms being cultivated.

[0067] Furthermore, the configuration of the partition unit 40 is not limited to that according to this embodiment. For example, the installation portions 42 of the partition unit 40 are provided at the left and right lower ends of the partition plate 41, but are not limited to this. That is, the installation portions may be, for example, hook-shaped to be hooked onto the left and right sides of the reservoir unit, as long as the partition unit can be installed at any location within the internal space of the reservoir unit. The installation portions may also be provided somewhere other than the partition unit. For example, the installation portions may be provided in the reservoir unit.

[0068] Furthermore, the configuration of the passage section 50 is not limited to that according to this embodiment. For example, instead of providing one pipe member 51 for one partition section 40 as in this embodiment, one pipe member 51 may be provided across multiple partition sections 40, as in the passage section according to a first modified example shown in FIG. 8(a). In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(a), an entrance to the second compartment R2 is provided midway along the length of the pipe member 51. Furthermore, such a pipe member 51 is formed so that the inner diameter decreases at least for each opening portion located in each compartment.

[0069] 8(b), a configuration other than the pipe member 51 may be used. For example, in the second modified example of the passageway, in addition to the pipe member 51, slits 51a extending in the vertical direction are formed on both the left and right ends of the partition plate 41 of the partition section 40. The size (lateral width) of the slits 51a is set according to the growth size of the grouper F. In other words, the slits 51a (passageway) in the partition plate 41 allow individual grouper F of a predetermined size among the multiple grouper F to pass through the partition section 40. The shape of the slits 51a can be changed as desired. Furthermore, the pipe member 51 may not be provided, and the pipe hole 43 itself, for example, may serve as the passageway.

[0070] Furthermore, the switching unit according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the lid unit 60. In other words, any configuration can be adopted as the switching unit as long as it is capable of switching between a passage permitting state that allows individual aquatic organisms of a predetermined size to pass through the passage part and a passage restricting state that restricts passage through the passage part. For example, the switching unit does not have to be detachable.

[0071] Furthermore, the aquarium 20 may be equipped with a one-way restricting section 70 in addition to the lid section 60. The one-way restricting section 70 is provided, for example, at the rear end of the pipe member 51. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the one-way restricting section 70 differs from the lid section 60 in that it has a slit 71 and a valve section 72. The valve section 72 is partitioned by the slit 71 and is configured to be openable only to one side (e.g., the rear side). Thus, when the lid section 60 is removed from the pipe member 51, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the one-way restricting section 70 is configured to allow small giant groupers F to pass from the front compartment to the rear compartment, but not from the rear compartment to the front compartment. This prevents giant groupers F that have moved between compartments from accidentally returning to the compartment they were in during the sorting step (S21) of the compartment aquaculture method.

[0072] Furthermore, the compartmentalized aquaculture method described above is only one example, and the procedures and contents thereof can be changed as appropriate.

[0073] For example, in the lid removal step shown in S21a, all of the lids 60 are removed (put into a removed state) from the pipe members 51 in both the first partition member 40A and the second partition member 40B, but this is not limiting. That is, the lids 60 may be removed from the pipe members 51 in stages, from the first partition member 40A to the second partition member 40B, according to the growth stage of the grouper F (i.e., at intervals).

[0074] Furthermore, the sorting step shown in S21 is not limited to being performed once in the rearing step (S20), but may be performed multiple times in the rearing step depending on the growth stage of the grouper F.

[0075] In addition, in the installation position adjustment step shown in S21c, the installation positions of the dividers 40 are changed, but this is not limiting. That is, new dividers 40 may be installed in the aquarium 20 to increase the number of dividers 40, or dividers 40 may be removed from the aquarium 20 to decrease the number of dividers 40.

[0076] As described above, the water tank 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following features: An aquarium (20) for cultivating a plurality of aquatic organisms in water, a storage section (30) having an internal space (R) capable of storing water; A partition section 40 that divides the internal space R into at least two or more sections; a passage section (50) configured with respect to the partition section (40) so that individuals of a predetermined size among the plurality of aquatic organisms can pass from one adjacent compartment to the other of the plurality of compartments, but individuals larger than the predetermined size cannot pass; a cover portion (switching portion) that can switch between a passing allowance state that allows the individual of the predetermined size to pass through the passing portion and a passing restriction state that restricts the individual from passing through the passing portion; It is equipped with the following.

[0077] In addition, the compartmented aquaculture method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: A method for cultivating a plurality of aquatic organisms in water using an aquarium 20, comprising: A first step (a culture start step shown in S10) of raising the plurality of aquatic organisms at the larval stage in one of the plurality of compartments by setting the lid portion 60 (switching portion) to the passage restriction state; a second step (sorting step shown in S21) of switching the lid unit 60 (switching unit) from the passage restricting state to the passage allowing state according to the growth of the plurality of aquatic organisms, and moving the individuals of the predetermined size to another compartment adjacent to the one compartment; It is equipped with the following.

[0078] This configuration makes it possible to improve the survival rate when cultivating aquatic organisms that have a relatively strong sense of territory.

[0079] Moreover, the water tank 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is The partition portion 40 is The partition 40 is provided with an installation portion 42 for installing the partition 40 at any desired location within the internal space R.

[0080] With this configuration, it is possible to change the installation position of the partition 40 in the aquarium 20. Furthermore, in the compartmented aquaculture method, it is possible to execute a set position adjustment step shown in S21c.

[0081] Moreover, the water tank 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is The passing section 50 is It includes a pipe member 51 (cylindrical portion) formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, The inner diameter of the pipe member 51 (cylindrical portion) is set so that an individual of the predetermined size can pass through, but an individual larger than the predetermined size cannot pass through.

[0082] This configuration simplifies the configuration of the passage section. Furthermore, by replacing the pipe member 51, the size of individual aquatic organisms that can pass through can be easily changed.

[0083] Moreover, the water tank 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is The cover portion 60 (switching portion) is The device is configured to be detachable from the passage section 50, and can be switched between the passage-permitted state and the passage-restricted state depending on the attachment / detachment state.

[0084] With this configuration, it is possible to easily switch between the passage permitted state and the passage restricted state.

[0085] Moreover, the water tank 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is The device further includes a one-side restricting section 70 that allows an individual of the specified size to pass through the passing section 50 from one compartment to the other compartment, and restricts the passing of the passing section 50 from the other compartment to the one compartment.

[0086] This configuration can prevent the grouper F that has moved from one section to another from accidentally returning to the section from which it moved.

[0087] Moreover, the water tank 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention is The partition portion 40 is At least three or more of the plurality of compartments are provided along a predetermined direction so as to be continuous with each other via the partition portion 40, The passage portion 50 provided in each of the partition portions 40 is The size of the individual aquatic organisms that can pass through is configured to gradually decrease in the order of the predetermined direction.

[0088] With this configuration, aquatic organisms can be naturally sorted into multiple sizes (without the need for human intervention, such as isolating them).

[0089] In addition, in the water tank 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention, The partition portion 40 (communication portion 44 (upper communication portion 44a and lower communication portion 44b)) is A gap of a size that prevents the multiple aquatic organisms from passing through is formed between at least one of the bottom that forms the internal space R of the storage section 30 and the surface of the water stored in the internal space R.

[0090] With this configuration, food, excrement, etc. that sinks to the bottom or floats can be moved through the partition 40 by the water current. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Aquaponics System 20 aquarium 30 Storage section 40 Partition 50 Passage section 60 Lid R Interior space

Claims

1. An aquarium for cultivating a plurality of aquatic organisms in water, a storage section having an internal space capable of storing water; A partition section that divides the internal space into at least two or more compartments; a passage section configured with respect to the partition section so that individuals of a predetermined size among the plurality of aquatic organisms can pass from one adjacent compartment to the other adjacent compartment among the plurality of compartments, but individuals larger than the predetermined size cannot pass; a switching unit that can switch between a passing allowance state that allows the individual of the predetermined size to pass through the passing section and a passing restriction state that restricts the individual from passing through the passing section; Equipped with Aquarium.

2. The partition portion is An installation part is provided for installing the partition part at any position within the internal space. The aquarium of claim 1.

3. The passing portion is a cylindrical portion formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion is set so that an individual of the predetermined size can pass through, but an individual larger than the predetermined size cannot pass through. The aquarium of claim 1.

4. The switching unit is The device is configured to be detachable from the passage section, and is switched between the passage permitted state and the passage restricted state depending on the attachment / detachment state. The aquarium of claim 1.

5. The device further includes a one-side restricting section that allows the individual of the predetermined size to pass through the passing section from the one compartment to the other compartment and restricts the individual from passing through the passing section from the other compartment to the one compartment. The aquarium of claim 1.

6. The partition portion is At least three or more of the plurality of compartments are provided along a predetermined direction so as to be continuous with each other via the partition portion, The passage portion provided in each of the partition portions is The size of the individual aquatic creatures that can pass through is gradually reduced in the predetermined direction. The aquarium of claim 1.

7. The partition portion is a gap having a size that the plurality of aquatic organisms cannot pass through is formed between at least one of a bottom portion that forms the internal space of the storage portion and a water surface of the water stored in the internal space; The aquarium of claim 1.

8. 10. A method for cultivating a plurality of aquatic organisms in water using the aquarium according to claim 1, comprising: A first step of raising the plurality of aquatic organisms in the larval stage in one of the plurality of compartments by setting the switching unit to the passage restriction state; a second step of switching the switching unit from the passage restriction state to the passage permission state in accordance with the growth of the plurality of aquatic organisms, and moving the individuals of the predetermined size to another compartment adjacent to the one compartment; Equipped with Cultivation method.

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