Water Filter Media

Which filter media do you need?

About each filter media

Catalytic iron removal media

A lightweight granular media that acts as a catalyst for the reaction between dissolved oxygen and iron, so iron settles out as a particle in the bed. It needs dissolved oxygen in the water and a suitable pH, and it does not need chemical regeneration; regular backwashing keeps it working. Manganese removal needs a pH of about 8 to 9, and this media is not suitable where hydrogen sulphide, oil or high chlorine is present.

Manganese dioxide (MnO2)

A dense, natural mineral media that oxidises and filters iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide. Because it is heavy, it needs a strong backwash flow.

Green sand

Glauconite-based media coated with manganese oxide that removes iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide. It is regenerated with potassium permanganate or used with continuous chlorination.

Manganese-coated media

A lightweight media with a manganese dioxide coating that removes iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide, and also filters fine particles. It can help reduce arsenic when iron is present and the water is pre-oxidised; treated water must then be tested against the IS 10500 limit for arsenic. Its lighter weight means lower backwash flow than solid MnO2.

Activated alumina

Porous aluminium oxide balls that adsorb fluoride from groundwater, widely used in defluoridation units in fluoride-affected areas. It works best at a pH of about 5.5 to 6.5, and is regenerated with caustic soda followed by acid when exhausted.

Calcite

Calcium carbonate media that dissolves slowly in acidic water, raising pH and adding hardness, so water corrodes pipes and fittings less.

Anthracite, quartz sand, pebbles and gravel

The workhorses of pressure sand filters and multigrade filters. Graded gravel supports the bed, quartz sand traps fine solids, and a top layer of anthracite catches larger particles so the filter runs longer between backwashes.

How to fill a pressure sand or iron removal filter

1. Start with support layers: graded pebbles and gravel at the bottom, coarse to fine, covering the bottom distributor.
2. Add the main media: sand, iron removal media, MnO2 or other media to the specified depth, leaving freeboard for bed expansion during backwash.
3. Backwash before use: wash out fines until the water runs clear.
4. Backwash regularly: at the right flow for the media, so trapped iron and dirt are removed.

Who uses our filter media

• Borewell water users
• Housing societies and townships
• Hotels, schools and hospitals
• RO plant pre-treatment
• Industrial process water
• Rural and community water projects
• Defluoridation units
• Water treatment OEMs and contractors

Filter Media: product range

Each product line has its own page with uses, dosing guidance and FAQs.

• Iron and Manganese Removal Media
• Activated Alumina for Fluoride Removal
• Calcite Filter Media
• Quartz Sand, Gravel and Pebbles
• Anthracite Filter Media

Frequently asked questions

Which filter media removes iron from water?

Catalytic iron removal media, manganese dioxide, green sand and manganese-coated media all remove iron. The best one depends on your iron and manganese levels, pH, dissolved oxygen and whether you can dose chlorine or permanganate.

What is catalytic iron removal media?

It is a lightweight granular filter media that acts as a catalyst to oxidise dissolved iron and manganese so they can be filtered out. It needs dissolved oxygen in the water and is cleaned by backwashing, without chemical regeneration. Manganese removal needs a pH of about 8 to 9, and this media is not suitable where hydrogen sulphide or high chlorine is present.

Does activated alumina remove fluoride?

Yes. Activated alumina adsorbs fluoride and is widely used in defluoridation filters. It works best within a suitable pH range and must be regenerated when it is exhausted.

What is the difference between quartz sand and anthracite?

Quartz sand is dense and traps fine particles. Anthracite is lighter and coarser and sits on top of the sand in a multigrade filter to catch larger particles first, so the filter runs longer between backwashes.

Why is gravel used in a sand filter?

Graded gravel and pebbles form support layers at the bottom of the filter. They stop the fine media from passing into the distributor and help spread water evenly during backwash.

How often should filter media be replaced?

Sand and gravel can last several years with proper backwashing. Catalytic and adsorptive media such as iron removal media, MnO2 and activated alumina lose capacity over time and are replaced when performance falls.

How much filter media do I need?

It depends on the vessel diameter and bed depth. Send us your vessel size and we will estimate the quantity of each layer.