How to Pick the Right Disc or Drum Filter Size in Aquaculture  

Whether your land-based aquaculture facility uses a drum or disc filter, having the right filter size is critical for ensuring your system works efficiently and effectively.  

But how do you know which size is right for you?  

Several key factors impact this decision, and before deciding, you should speak with a trusted industry expert who will take the time to understand the unique needs and setup of your fish farm. 

To get started on the right path, below are seven key factors to consider when choosing your drum filter or disc filter size. 

7 Factors for Selecting the Right Disc or Drum Filter Size 

#1 Flow rate  

Flow rate is one of the most important considerations when determining filter size. Higher flow rates – like the ones found in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) – require larger filters to effectively handle the increased volume. If they are not big enough, a site will experience frequent clogging, and/or a drop in filtration efficiency which will lead to poor water quality. 

Conversely, a filter that is too large can reduce filtration efficiency, is unnecessarily expensive, and wastes energy.  

#2 Total suspended solids 

Total suspended solids (TSS) levels measure the number of solid particles in the water. In aquaculture, these are typically things like fish waste, uneaten feed, and instances of biofouling.  

As with flow rate, a higher TSS requires a larger filter to effectively manage these solids without clogging.  

#3 Micron screen size

Micron screen size refers to the size of the particles the filter will capture. Different aquaculture systems need various levels of filtration based on the species and water quality standards. A smaller micron screen captures finer particles and vice versa.  

When comparing screen sizes, remember that a smaller micron screen may require a larger, more powerful filter to maintain adequate flow rates.   

#4 Available physical space  

Water filtration systems come in various sizes, and bigger doesn’t always correlate to more power. Furthermore, you’ll need to evaluate how many filters are necessary to meet your filtration needs. 

When considering options, be sure to measure your available space to ensure everything will fit. If space is limited, consider fewer, more powerful models.  

#5 Water type (incoming, RAS, or effluent)   

Your water source – whether that’s incoming, effluent or RAS – will impact the filter size required.  

While there are exceptions, typically, incoming water requires less stringent filtration than a RAS system, which can see higher contaminant levels as it reuses the same water. Meanwhile, effluent water might need specialized filters to handle the higher levels of waste before discharge. 

#6 Water temperature  

Water temperature impacts the biological load found in the water. Typically, higher temperatures increase fish activity and waste.  Farms with species that need warmer water may require stronger filtration and larger screens compared to facilities growing fish in colder water. 

#7 Salinity 

Like water temperature, salinity levels will impact biological and particulate load.  Typically, sites that use seawater require larger filters than those with freshwater.

Get the Definitive Guide to Water Filtration

Filter size is only one element in achieving effective water filtration. For an in-depth understanding of this subject, download our new buyer’s guide, The Ultimate Starter Guide to Drum and Disc Filters.   

In it, we’ll explore what you need to know to select the ideal setup for your land-based aquaculture facility.   

Learn how drum and disc filters work, the benefits of each design, and how to evaluate which one might be right for you.