Automated closed recirculating aquaculture filtration system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention provides a solution to one or more of the problems and/or deficiencies described above.
In one respect, the present invention is an automated aquaculture system which comprises: a tank; a prefilter system connected to the tank which comprises a particulate is filter, a foam fractionator and a carbon filter; an aerobic biofilter; a pump that receives effluent from the prefilter system and moves the effluent to the aerobic biofilter; a source of ultraviolet light that is in cooperation with the aerobic filter and that treats water from the aerobic filter, wherein the source is connected to the tank so that treated water is returned to the tank; an anaerobic biofilter that is connected to the aerobic biofilter for receiving effluent and connected to the prefilter system for introducing effluent to the prefilter system; a video camera directed into the tank for receiving information; and a computer that receives information from the cameras and other sensors in the system and that controls the operation of the system.
In another respect, this invention is a process useful for culturing an aquatic species, comprising: housing the aquatic species in a tank containing water; introducing water from the tank into a particulate filter; introducing effluent from the particulate filter to a foam fractionator; introducing effluent from the foam fractionator to a carbon filter; pumping effluent from the carbon filter to an aerobic biofilter; irradiating effluent from the aerobic biofilter with ultraviolet radiation; treating effluent from the aerobic biofilter in an anaerobic biofilter and returning effluent from the anaerobic biofilter to the system; and introducing effluent from the irradiating step to the tank.