Abstract
The vertical indoor ecosystem invention is an indoor vertical modular structure and method. The system includes at least one: retention tank, grow bed, grow tank, structural frame, recycling water supply, light energy supply and control units. Each grow tank supports both terrestrial and/or semi-aquatic plants and fresh water aquatic species. The grow tanks are built in to the structural frame in multi-level vertical tiers connected horizontally and/or vertically. The lowermost retention tank regulates water quantity and quality and typically houses larger aquatic species. Generally, the waste water from the retention tank travels up through a water pump to the top grow bed to filter water. Water travels down to the next lower level grow tank by gravity wherein plants uptake nutrients. Water returns to retention tank in a cyclical manner.
Claims
1. A vertically oriented indoor ecosystem comprising: (a) a structural support framework permitting a plurality of grow and retention tanks to be stacked vertically on multi-level tiers; (b) at least one water retention tank: i. acting as the housing control tank to manage the quality and quantity of water f n the ecosystem and ii. providing an environment for aquatic species, (c) at least one grow tank supported on the support framework generally vertically above the water retention tank adapted: i. to support at Least one grow bed within or upon the tank, and, ii. to support an open water volume within the tank adapted to provide an open environment for aquatic species; (d) a bank, of grow lights directed at each grow tank; (e) an aquarium air pump to increase levels of oxygen in the water; (f) at least one aquarium water pump to pump supply water from the retention tank up to the uppermost grow tank as a source of supply water for the grow bed; (g) drainage adapted to permit supply water to flow into the grow bed and thence the grow tank to support plant growth in the grow bed; (h) the water pump and the drainage acting to recirculate the supply water between the tanks: (i) an overflow drain in each grow tank permitting maintenance of water Level and a gravity fed return of water to a tank below; (j) water recirculating plumbing adapted to return supply water by gravity from upper tiers, sequentially or in parallel, into the retention tank; (k) the water retention tank adapted to hold excess water when the aquarium water pump is not in, action; (L) at least one grow bed in the grow tanks adapted to grow plants using supply water, nutrients included in the grow bed and energy from the grow Lights.
2. The indoor ecosystem of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of grow tanks vertically stacked above the retention tank.
3. The indoor ecosystem of claim 2 further wherein the plurality of grow tanks includes a three-tier vertically oriented indoor ecosystem including a middle tank with a hydroponic raft adapted to support plant growth media using supply water, supply water contained nutrients and energy from grow Lights, segregated from an open water volume providing an open water environment for aquatic species.
4. The indoor ecosystem of claim 2, wherein the grow bed includes a water barrier to separate the grow bed from a respective open water volume.
5. The indoor ecosystem of claim 4 wherein the grow bed includes an upper dry portion and a lower submerged portion,
6. The indoor ecosystem of claim 5 wherein the barrier is perforated to allow supply water to drain from the grow bed into the open volume of the grow tank.
7. The indoor ecosystem of claim 6 wherein the grow bed acts as a filter to filter out solid waste produced by aquatic species and plants.
8. The indoor ecosystem of claim 3 wherein the hydroponic raft is on or within the middle tan.
9. The indoor ecosystem of claim 8 wherein the hydroponic raft includes respective plant holes with pod nets to support partially dry and partially wet growth media.
10. The indoor ecosystem of claim 9 wherein the middle tank includes perforated covers between said pod nets and said open volume.
11. The indoor ecosystem of claim 10 wherein root space is provided between the pod nets and the perforated covers.
12. The indoor ecosystem of claim 1, wherein the grow bed contains at Least 50% biochar material and beneficial microbes to break down solids and provides for mineralization of solid waste and liquid nutrients.
13. The indoor ecosystem of claim 12 wherein the grown bed, also contains non-microbial organisms.
14. The indoor ecosystem of claim 13 wherein the organisms include worms.
15. The indoor ecosystem of claim 1 wherein water supply to each individual grow tank can be separately disconnected.
16. the indoor ecosystem of claim 1 wherein the grow tank includes at least. one inlet water tube and one water outlet tube, the outlet tube including an aquarium safe strainer guards preventing small aquatic species from flowing into a different tank and/or clogging the tube.
17. The indoor ecosystem of claim 9 wherein the net pot growth media includes a porous substrate media to support plants.
Description
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The aspects, features and advantages of the described system are more readily apparent through these figures, wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 shows the top tier grow tank with the grow bed attachment in operation. The grow bed adds filtration and biological surface area for beneficial microbial activity. Freshwater species reside in the front-third of the tank.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows the 2.sup.nd tier grow tank with the hydroponic raft variant. Each grow tank typically houses both plants and freshwater aquatic species together. In FIG. 2 the plants are supported by the hydroponic raft in net pots. Root guards are shown as floating or suspended from the raft but may be fixed. Input water is supplied by gravity from the outlet of the grow tank of FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the retention tank, which acts as the control module and typically houses larger freshwater aquatic species and may not include plants.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows a small indoor environment vies set up, shown without water recirculating lines. Additional grow tanks, as per FIG. 1 or 2 may stacked vertically or horizontally above the retention tank.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a side view of the vies system of FIG. 4, which illustrates the supply and return tubing that is typically placed behind a vies set up.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a larger indoor environment vies set-up based upon the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 6 illustrates the connection of a vertical stack with more than a single horizontal component or a horizontally elongated component, but preferably with a single retention tank.
[0044] FIG. 7 provides a water flow diagram for the vies system of the invention as shown in FIG. 4 which illustrates the flow of water from the retention tank, moving up to the grow bed for filtration. Water flows down to the next tier grow tank where mineralized nutrients will be taken up by plants. Water then flows through an additional filter until it reaches back to the retention tank.
[0045] FIG. 8 shows a sectional elevation through the grow bed of FIG. 1. The grow bed with at least 50% biochar adds filtration and biological surface area for beneficial microbial activity. Plants are also able to grow in the media fill.
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a detailed pictorial view of the perforated containers shown in FIG. 2 that guard the plant roots of each plant. The perforations allow plants to absorb water and nutrients. The porous media allows additional beneficial bacteria to grow, and gives the plant support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] FIG. 1 shows the top-tier grow tank 1 of the preferred 3-tier embodiment of the vies of the invention. Tank 1 is a standard open-top glass aquarium.
[0048] FIG. 1 depicts components of the vies as follows:
1aquarium tank,
2grow bed,
3porous media fill for grow bed,
4inlet supply water tube,
5supply water outlets providing a supply water spray or cascade over the grow bed 2 and the media fill 3,
6tank outlet water tube providing, preferably, gravity fed outlet flow from the bottom of tank 1 over a drainage weir and into drainage tube outlet hole 7. The weir height sets the open water level in tank 1.
7drainage hole,
8freshwater aquatic species in open water environment,
9actively growing plants,
10tank 1 gravel bed
11open water environment,
12grow bed container perforations, preferably towards the bottom of tank 1,
13light fixture,
14grow light with on/off controls,
15supply water cascade or spray from outlet holes 5,
16bottom water feed with screen for water flow to and over dual standing drain,
17overflow outer tube.
[0049] As can be seen once supply water in tank 1 of FIG. 1 reaches the weir height an overflow condition exists and supply water is drained by gravity flow to the tank below.
[0050] FIG. 2 shows the 2.sup.nd tier grow tank of the preferred embodiment of the vies invention with the preferred hydroponic raft variant.
[0051] FIG. 2 depicts components of the preferred embodiment of the vies as follows: [0052] 1 2.sup.nd tier aquarium tank, [0053] 2 hydroponic raft, either floating or, preferably as shown, supported on the tank 1, [0054] 2.1 automatically maintained water level D, [0055] 2.2 spacing C between water level and hydroponic mat in preferred embodiment of the 2.sup.nd tier tank of the vies with mat supported on the edge of tank 1, [0056] 3 net pot for growth media [0057] 4 root guard container either floating or secured to the underside of raft 2. FIG. 2 shows a vertical separation between raft 1 and container 4 for ease of description, [0058] 5 plants, [0059] 6 plant roots growing in net pots 3 and extending in to guard containers 4, [0060] 7 freshwater aquatic species in open water environment, [0061] 8 drainage outlet hole providing a water level weir, [0062] 9 drainage water outlet, [0063] 10 inlet supply water tube from the above-mounted grow tank shown in FIG. 1, [0064] 11 gravel, [0065] 12 soil less hydroponic medium in net pots, [0066] 13 inlet water direction, [0067] 14 outlet water direction retention tank below (not shown in this Figure, see FIG. 3), and [0068] 15 on/off controlled grow light.
[0069] FIG. 3 shows the bottom tier retention tank of the preferred embodiment of the vies invention with components as follows: [0070] 1. glass aquarium tank, [0071] 2. returning water biofilter, [0072] 3. submersible air pump, [0073] 4. aquarium supply water pump, [0074] 5. optional aquarium heater, [0075] 6. optional aquarium thermometer, [0076] 7. inlet water tube for drainage of recirculating water by gravity from above, [0077] 8. air pump tube and electrical supply, [0078] 9. gravel, [0079] 10. freshwater aquatic species in open water environment, [0080] 11. supply water tube, [0081] 12. returning water flow, [0082] 13. air flow, [0083] 14. supply water for 2.sup.nd and 3.sup.rd tier tanks under pressure.
[0084] FIG. 4 shows an elevation of the preferred 3-tier embodiment of the vies invention including the tanks of FIGS. 1 through 3, with components as follows: [0085] 1. retention tank, [0086] 2. 2 grow bed on top tier [0087] 3. aquarium grown tanks on top and middle tier, [0088] 4. preferred LED lighting source for middle tier, [0089] 5. preferred grow light source for upper tier, [0090] 6. support structural framework, [0091] 7. larger freshwater aquatic species in open water environment, and, [0092] 8. retention tank water level, with [0093] a) water depth as at E, and [0094] b) safety margin as at F to prevent overflow.
[0095] FIG. 5 shows an end view of the preferred 3-tier embodiment of the vies invention of FIG. 4 with components as follows: [0096] 1. upper tier grow bed, [0097] a) upwardly extending bed portion A, [0098] b) portion within tank 1, as at B, [0099] 2. aquarium tanks as grow tanks at upper and middle tier, [0100] a) water depth D, [0101] b) tank freeboard C, [0102] 3. retention tank, [0103] a) water depth F, [0104] b) safety freeboard E, [0105] 4. LED grow light fixture, [0106] 5. upper tier grow light fixture, [0107] 6. support structural framework secured to wall 7, [0108] 7. building wall, [0109] 8. water supply tube for pressurized supply water upwards flow, [0110] 9. not used in this Figure, [0111] 10. controlled cycle growth light, [0112] 11. pressurized supply water pump, [0113] 12. upper return water line for gravity flow, [0114] 13. lower return water line for gravity flow, [0115] 14. biofilter, [0116] 15. supply water upwards flow, [0117] 16. return flow direction, and [0118] 17. larger freshwater aquatic species in open water environment.
[0119] FIG. 6 shows an elevation view of the an alternative horizontally expanded 3-tier embodiment of the vies invention of FIGS. 1 through 5 with components as follows: [0120] 1. grow beds, upper grow tanks, [0121] 2. 4 spaced apart aquarium tanks at upper and middle tiers, [0122] 3. retention tank, [0123] 4. LED grow light fixture, [0124] 5. grow light fixture, [0125] 6. support structural framework with optional central support column, [0126] 12. recirculating water gravity drain, [0127] 13. not used [0128] 14. biofilter, [0129] 15. water supply to pump and pressurized water supply directions, [0130] 16. return water flow direction, [0131] 17. larger freshwater aquatic species in open water environment, and [0132] 18. pressurized water supply line upwards.
[0133] FIG. 7 shows an elevation showing preferred water flow of the preferred 3-tier embodiment of the vies invention including the tanks of FIGS. 1 through 4, with components as follows: [0134] 1. retention tank, [0135] 2. aquarium grow tanks at middle and upper tiers, [0136] 3. water supply pump, [0137] 4. pressurized water supply tube or line, [0138] 5. supply water outlet holes, [0139] 6. upper tier water drain inlet, [0140] 7. upper tier to middle tier water drain tube, [0141] 8. biofilter, [0142] 9. preferred overflow from biofilter 8 over retention tank edge with overall height E plus F (the retention tank nominal water depth), [0143] 10. LED grow light fixture, [0144] 11. grow light fixture, [0145] 12. recirculating water flow direction.
[0146] FIG. 8 shows an elevation section of the grow bed of FIG. 1 showing layered grow media in the grow bed of the preferred embodiment of the vies invention, with components as follows: [0147] 1. aquarium tank with overall height B, [0148] 2. layered earth module 2 acting as the grow bed extending above water surface in the grow tank by height A, [0149] 3. filter substrate media, [0150] 4. biochar, [0151] 5. porous media fill, and [0152] 6. optional decomposers.
[0153] The relative size of height A and height B in relation to the layers 3 through 6 in FIG. 8 is a matter of design choice.
[0154] FIG. 9 shows a pictorial view of the net pot, container, media and growing plant of the preferred embodiment of the middle tier with the hydroponic rank of FIG. 2 showing layered grow media embodiment of the vies invention, with components as follows: [0155] 1. nominal water line, [0156] 2. perforated guard container secured to the raft (not shown), [0157] 3. net pot, [0158] 4. soil-less growth media, [0159] 5. porous media fill, [0160] 6. perforation holes for water exchange, [0161] 7. growing plants, and, [0162] 8. growing plant roots.
[0163] The scope of the patent protection sought herein is defined by the accompanying claims, as might be amended. The apparatuses and procedures shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein are examples.
[0164] Some of the components of the systems depicted herein have been depicted in just one system. That is to say, not all options have been depicted of all the variant systems. Skilled systems-designers should understand the intent that depicted features can be included or substituted optionally in others of the depicted apparatuses, where that is possible.
