Activated Filter Media (AFM)

AFM is a patented filtration media developed by Dryden Aqua over more than 30 years. Manufactured from recycled glass, AFM is processed through advanced physical and chemical activation stages that permanently change the surface chemistry and nano‑structure of the media.

This next‑generation activation significantly increases surface area and catalytic activity, creating a self‑sterilising filter media that does not biofoul. As a result, AFM maintains consistent filtration performance over time and dramatically reduces bacterial loading within the filter. AFM increases surface area from approximately 3,000 m² per tonne to over 10 million m² per tonne, delivering filtration performance approaching that of activated carbon — without chemical regeneration. The media is simply recharged using a standard backwash with clean water. AFM is a direct replacement for sand or standard glass media and can be used in existing filters without modification. Due to its lower density, around 15% less AFM is required compared to sand.

Key Features:

- Filters down to 1 micron
- Electro‑mechanical filtration with a hydrophilic, electrically charged surface
- High catalytic oxidation potential
- Self‑sterilising — will not biofoul
- Certified for drinking water applications
- Up to 80% better performance than sand or crushed glass
- Supplied in 21 kg bags or 1‑tonne bulk bags

Which AFM grade do you need?

Product	Role	Filtration performance	Bag size
AFMng Grade 1	Main filtration layer	Removes 95% of particles down to 1 μm	21 kg
AFMng Grade 2	Support and filtration layer	Removes particles down to 5 μm	21 kg
AFM Grade 3	Support layer over the filter laterals	Even flow during filtration and backwash	21 kg

By comparison, high-quality silica sand removes 95% of particles only down to around 20 μm in independent IFTS testing.

Dryden Aqua are finalists in the product category at the European Business Awards with the Activated Filter Media (AFM) that replaces sand in sand filters. Most of our drinking water is filtered by sand, and simply by changing the sand to AFM will double the performance of the filters. What does this mean…? in the developing world AFM could eliminate water based parasitic infections which account for nearly 25% of all disease. AFM can filter down to 1 micron with no pre-coagulation or flocculation, to physically remove parasites. AFM is being used in more and more aquaculture applications. Bulk order discounts are available. Fresh By Design are the official AFM distributors for Aquaculture and Aquaria in Australia and New Zealand

Does AFM work in salt water?

Yes — AFM suits fresh water, seawater and brackish systems, and is used across aquaculture, aquaria and RAS. Its self‑sterilising surface won’t biofoul, which matters most in warm, nutrient‑rich marine systems.

What does “ng” mean

“ng” stands for “Next Generation.”

AFMng uses an enhanced activation process that further modifies the surface chemistry of the glass. This creates a bio‑resistant, catalytically active surface that prevents bacterial growth and biofouling, improves the removal of fine particles, organic matter, and microplastics, and reduces backwashing requirements. The result is cleaner water and more stable long‑term filtration performance compared to standard sand or glass media.

Please note: AFM Grade 3 is a support layer and is not supplied as AFMng

Sizing and ordering

Media volume depends on your filter dimensions and flow rate — as a rule, allow around 15% less AFM by weight than the sand it replaces. Not sure which grade or how much you need? Talk to us and we’ll size it for your system.

AFM sits within our mechanical filtration range. If you’re removing larger solids ahead of the media bed, see our drum filters.

Activated Filter Media (AFM)