Sand Media Filter vs. Multi-Media Filtration: What’s the Difference & Which Do You Need?

Standard Everfilt® Sand Media Filter

When designing or upgrading a water treatment system, understanding your filtration options is critical. Two common choices are standard sand media filters and multi-media filtration units, each with very different capabilities.

What is Sand Media Filtration?

A standard sand media filter typically includes:

* A silica sand bed


* A 3/4” gravel base


* Filtration capability down to 35–40 microns


Sand media filters are effective for removing:

* Sediment & suspended solids (dirt, sand, clay)


* Turbidity (cloudiness from fine particles)


* Organic debris (algae, leaves)


* Larger microorganisms


* Particulate iron & manganese (after oxidation)


* Some microplastics (depending on size)


These filters work well for basic clarification, but there are limitations.

What Sand Media Filtration Can’t Remove:

* Dissolved substances like salts or heavy metals


* Color & odor


* Bacteria, viruses, and pathogens (unless very large or treated beforehand)


* Nutrients such as nitrates or phosphates


For higher-performance needs, you may want to consider multimedia filtration.

Everfilt® Multi-Media Filter System

What is a Multi-Media Filter?

Multi-media filtration systems use multiple layers of differently sized media, often 5 or more, to capture much finer particles, down to 5 microns.

Key Differences in Multi-Media Units:

* Higher removal efficiency (down to 5 microns)


* Taller tank shell height (~72")


* Larger overall footprint


* Slower filtration rate (~5–6 gpm/ft²)


This type of filter offers enhanced performance for facilities requiring:

* Tighter turbidity control


* Pre-treatment before RO or UV systems


* Better protection against fine particulate intrusion


Choosing the Right Filter for Your Application

If your system primarily needs to remove large solids or turbidity, sand media may be sufficient. But for finer filtration and better protection downstream, a multi-media filter is often worth the investment.

Still unsure? Contact our team for a detailed filtration assessment based on your source water and system demands.