Description
AST PolyGeyser® DF-6 Bead Filter – Automatic Pneumatic Backwash Biofilter
The AST PolyGeyser® DF-6 is a professional-grade bead filter engineered and manufactured by Aquaculture Systems Technologies (AST) — the global leader in bead filter design with over 20 years of proven performance. The DF-6 model is ideal for aquarium displays and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) requiring a maximum flow rate of 90 GPM and supporting aquarium display volumes up to 2,700 gallons.
Featuring AST’s patented fully automatic pneumatic backwash mechanism — US Patent No. 6,517,724 & US Patent No. 5,770,080 — the PolyGeyser® DF-6 requires no moving parts, no electronics, and no manual intervention to backwash. Air is simply pumped into the internal charge chamber at a controlled rate. When the chamber reaches capacity, the pneumatic trigger fires automatically, releasing the entrained air beneath the media bed. The sudden air release causes the beads to mix, roll and “drop”, sweeping captured solids away and into the settling chamber below. Solids concentrate there and are removed periodically — while the filter returns to normal operation within seconds.
PolyGeyser® DF-6 Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | DF-6 |
| Max Flow Rate | 90 GPM |
| Bead Media Volume | 6 cubic feet |
| Bioclarification Feed Rate (Enhanced Media) | 7 lbs/day |
| Max Operating Pressure | 10 psi |
| Aquarium Display Volume | 2,700 gallons |
| Backwash Mechanism | Automatic Pneumatic (no moving parts) |
| Electronics Required | None |
| Media Replacement | Never required |
| Patent | US 6,517,724 | US 5,770,080 | Canada 7989-005 | EPO 977,713 |
| Manufacturer | Aquaculture Systems Technologies (AST), Baton Rouge, LA USA |
Full PolyGeyser® Model Range – At a Glance
The PolyGeyser® is available in six models to suit systems of all scales. The DF-6 is highlighted below.
| Model | Max Flow (GPM) | Bead Media (cu ft) | Feed Rate – Enhanced Media (lbs/day) | Max Pressure (psi) | Aquarium Display Volume (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DF-3 | 45 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 1,350 |
| DF-6 | 90 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 2,700 |
How PolyGeyser® Technology Works
The PolyGeyser® uses upward water flow through a packed floating bed of plastic bead media. Water enters from the inlet, travels upward through the bead bed, and exits through the outlet. As water passes through the media bed, suspended solids are mechanically captured while a thriving colony of nitrifying bacteria on the bead surfaces breaks down toxic ammonia and nitrite through biological filtration — a combined mechanical and biological filtration process in a single unit.
Simultaneously, air is pumped at a controlled rate into the internal charge chamber positioned below the media bed. As air accumulates in the charge chamber, it builds up to trigger the pneumatic release. When triggered, air surges upward through the bead bed, causing the beads to violently mix, roll, and drop — dislodging captured solids while leaving the essential biofilm largely intact. The released solids are swept into the charge chamber, where they settle and concentrate. Normal filtration resumes automatically within seconds.
This patented mechanism breaks the linkage between backwash frequency and water loss — a fundamental limitation of all conventional filter designs. The PolyGeyser® can backwash multiple times per day with negligible water loss, maintaining consistently clean water without any manual intervention.
Key Performance Advantages
| Advantage | PolyGeyser® DF-6 | Conventional Bead Filter | Sand Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backwash Type | Automatic – pneumatic | Manual or timed | Manual valve |
| Water Loss per Backwash | Minimal – solids only removed | Moderate | High |
| Moving Parts | None | Sometimes | Valve assembly |
| Biological Filtration | Excellent – biofilm preserved | Good | Poor |
| Biological Load Capacity | 50–100% higher than standard | Standard | Low |
| Backwash Frequency | Multiple times/day – automatic | As needed – manual | Weekly – manual |
| Media Replacement | Never | Periodic | Periodic |
| Patented Technology | Yes – 4 patents | No | No |
Ideal Applications for the PolyGeyser® DF-6
- Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) – Handles the high biological loads typical of intensive fish production
- Aquarium Displays up to 2,700 gallons – Delivers crystal-clear water for public and private display aquariums
- Commercial Fish Hatcheries – Proven performance at university and government hatcheries worldwide, including the University of Tasmania
- Live Seafood & Lobster Holding Systems – Reliable saltwater filtration for restaurants and seafood distributors
- Koi Ponds & Ornamental Water Features – Installed at prize-winning koi facilities across the globe
- Research & Broodstock Facilities – Trusted at government research labs, zoos, and university aquaculture programs
- Marine & Freshwater Systems – Compatible with both fresh and saltwater environments
PolyGeyser® Skid System Option
The PolyGeyser® DF-6 is also available as a complete, pre-plumbed Skid System — professionally assembled by AST engineers on a robust all-weather skid. Everything is included and ready to go: centrifugal pump with strainer basket, air pump, optional UV steriliser, full Schedule 40 PVC plumbing with unions at strategic maintenance points, and the PolyGeyser® DF-6 filter. Simply connect your tank or pond supply and return lines and switch on. The DF-3 Skid System is shown in the product brochure as a popular starting point for smaller commercial systems.
Patents & Certifications
- US Patent No. 6,517,724
- US Patent No. 5,770,080
- Canada Patent No. 7989-005
- EPO (European Patent Office) No. 977,713
About AST – Aquaculture Systems Technologies
AST was founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and has spent over two decades engineering, manufacturing, and supporting advanced bead filtration systems for the aquaculture, aquaponics, zoological, and water treatment industries. Every AST product is designed by an experienced team of aquaculture engineers and backed by dedicated technical support, a global dealer network, and a commitment to continuous improvement. When you choose AST through Pure Aquatics, you are backed by both the manufacturer’s expertise and our local Australian support team.
Contact Pure Aquatics today to discuss the right PolyGeyser® model for your system, request technical documentation, or enquire about skid system pricing.
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