CM Aqua HEX Drum Filter — Advanced Aquaculture Filtration
Fresh by Design is proud to be an authorised supplier of CM Aqua HEX Drum Filters across Australia and New Zealand. Whether you’re running a commercial RAS facility, a public aquarium, a trout hatchery, prawn, or barramundi farm, a HEX Drum Filter delivers the water quality your system demands — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What is a HEX Drum Filter?
A drum filter is the backbone of any recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). It removes suspended solids from the water column — fish waste, uneaten feed, and biological material — before they break down and degrade water quality.
The defining innovation is the BeeCell HEX filter panel — a honeycomb-hexagonal mesh structure inspired by nature. Unlike conventional square-cell or smooth-cloth disc filters, the hexagonal cell geometry:
- Increases net open filtration area for higher throughput on a smaller footprint
- Allows the filter panel to flex without stress on individual mesh strings
- Gently retains particles within cells rather than grinding them — removing up to 3× more solids per backwash cycle compared to disc filters
- Achieves up to 90% particle removal efficiency across the 10–500 µm range
HEX Drum Filter key features –
Here’s why aquaculture professionals across the world choose HEX:
| Feature | CM Aqua HEX Drum Filter |
| Filter Panel Design | Patented BeeCell hexagonal — gentle particle retention |
| Drive System | DDGW (Direct Driven Gear Wheel) — no belt, no chain, no sudden stops |
| Saltwater Resistance | X24-series: fully corrosion-free high-tech polymer / HDPE — titanium upgrades available |
| Maintenance | Near-zero — no lubrication, one-click panel replacement (no tools required) |
| Particle Removal | Up to 90% — 10 to 500 µm |
HEX Drum Filter Series Overview
The CM Aqua range covers every scale of operation — from compact research aquariums through to large-scale commercial RAS facilities processing thousands of cubic metres per hour.
| Series | Design Versions | Flow Range | Best For |
| X-Series (X1–X5) | Tank, Half-Tank, Channel | 10 – 5,000 m³/hr | RAS, hatcheries, freshwater & saltwater farms |
| X24-Series | Channel, Half-Tank, Tank | Up to 5,000 m³/hr | Saltwater / marine — fully corrosion-free polymer construction |
| F-Series (F4–F5) | Half-Tank, Channel, SANI, SHIP | 179 – 8,736 m³/hr | High-capacity commercial farms, well boats, de-licing barges |
Key Features & Technical Benefits
- Patented BeeCell hexagonal filter panel — 10 to 500 µm particle removal (polyester or stainless steel mesh options)
- Direct Driven Gear Wheel (DDGW) system — eliminates belt/chain failure, ensures 24/7 continuous operation
- Up to 90% solid removal efficiency — healthier water, lower ammonia, better FCR and fish welfare
- Intelligent backwash control — nozzles activate only when needed, reducing backwash water consumption
- Fully self-cleaning — automatic high-pressure nozzle backwash removes accumulated solids to sludge tray
- One-click filter panel replacement — no tools, no bolts, minimal downtime
- X24-series: 100% corrosion-free HDPE polymer body — no metal in waterway; titanium upgrade for tropical saltwater
- Available in three installation formats: Open Channel, Half-Tank, Full Tank — flexible for any facility layout
- Drum diameter: 0.4 m to 2 m | Drum length: 0.4 m to 8 m — scalable to any farm size
- Manufactured in Germany to the highest standards — over 2,000 installations worldwide
- Proven in salmon RAS, barramundi farms, public aquariums, trout hatcheries, and well boats
Applications — Who Uses the CM Aqua HEX Drum Filter?
The HEX Drum Filter is the filtration solution of choice for:
- Commercial RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) — salmon, barramundi, trout, Atlantic salmon, prawn/shrimp
- Traditional flow-through fish farms and hatcheries
- Public aquariums and display tanks — marine and freshwater
- Research and university aquaculture facilities
- Aquaponics systems requiring reliable solid removal
- Well boats, de-licing barges, and live fish transport vessels (SANI & SHIP series)
Supplied & Supported in Australia and New Zealand by Fresh by Design
Fresh by Design is an authorised supplier of CM Aqua HEX Drum Filters in Australia and New Zealand. Founded in 2004, we specialise in aquaculture system design, equipment supply, and ongoing technical support for commercial and research operations throughout the region.
We have hands-on experience designing, supplying, and commissioning RAS systems for clients as seen in our past projects.
Local spare parts availability and direct technical support mean no reliance on international lead times. We can assist with series selection, drum size, mesh specification, and system integration to suit your flow rate, species, and installation type.
Contact us to discuss your requirements or request a quote — call 02 4868 2500 or email sales@freshbydesign.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions — CM Aqua HEX Drum Filter
What particle sizes does the HEX Drum Filter remove?
The HEX Drum Filter removes particles from 10 to 500 µm using polyester mesh, or 25 to 500 µm using stainless steel mesh. Finer mesh sizes (10–40 µm) are recommended for intensive RAS where fine particle control is critical to gill health.
Is the HEX Drum Filter suitable for saltwater aquaculture?
Yes. The X24-series is specifically engineered for saltwater and marine applications. The body is constructed from high-tech HDPE polymer with no metal components in the waterway, and titanium upgrade kits are available for tropical saltwater environments such as barramundi farms.
How much maintenance does the HEX Drum Filter require?
Very little. The DDGW drive requires no lubrication and has no belt or chain to replace. Filter panels can be swapped in minutes using the one-click system — no tools required. Routine inspection of nozzles and seals is recommended, but overall maintenance demands are extremely low compared to conventional drum or disc filters.
What flow rates are available?
The HEX range covers 10 m³/hr (X1-1 single module) up to 10,000+ m³/hr for large multi-unit F-series installations. Fresh by Design will help you determine the correct number of units and configuration for your target flow rate.
Do you ship the HEX Drum Filter to Australia or New Zealand?
Yes. Fresh by Design ships aquaculture equipment throughout Australia and New Zealand. Contact us for a freight quote to your location.
Can I get spare parts and technical support in Australia?
Absolutely. As an authorised Australian and New Zealand distributor, Fresh by Design maintains local spare parts inventory and provides technical support directly — you won’t need to source parts from Europe.
