A support apparatus for a filter membrane comprises a base support and a disc-shaped porous support member. The member is removably received in a seat portion of the base support in fluid communication with a drain. A bottom side of the disc-shaped porous support member is supported in a support plane. The bottom side of the member is unsupported in an area and the unsupported area is adjacent to a space in the seat portion of the base support that is located and dimensioned such that application of a force, onto the top side of the member at a location substantially within the boundaries of the unsupported area at the bottom side will cause the member to pivot/tilt into the space and lift above the support plane at a diagonally opposite side from the location where the force is applied so that it can be easily grasped and removed.