Review on Penn Plax Bubbler Bottom Filter by Janet Tijerina

A few points - I'm the 3rd generation in my family to use them so trust me these tips will help - they are great filters , if you know how to use their.1. I Always put enough gravel in the lower green tub to fill it up after inserting the tubes but before putting them in the clear box (always pre-wash all parts). I never change this level. This is better than the ceramics sold for biofiltration. As a bonus, if this is an existing installation, the bacteria will already have settled in the gravel. This is an optional level, but it helps a lot.2. Add about 1 inch of charcoal or ammonia to absorb the charcoal after washing.3. Fill with aquarium filter thread (washed).4. Connect air line, check valve, air line and air pump.5. If the filter floats, your pump is too powerful. Use smaller pump or, if adjustable, reduce speed. Some splitters also allow this setting. The control valve will help a lot.6. When you change floss, the green tray can be lifted slightly to give you more space to remove. When changing the charcoal, you can remove the bowl completely, paying attention to the gravel if there is any in the filter. The lid should be snug if properly secured and not cracked. You can use a rubber band if needed, but I've found that there can be a problem if it pops out (usually an improperly attached hose is the culprit). The hose should fit snugly). Overall, I like these filters for small aquariums. I recently had to buy one of these because I have a 5 gallon aquarium and I also have a Betta and Cory the Catfish (yes they are tank mates and I have an admittedly odd Betta. My boy is actually happier with Corey than alone) . The power filters were either too powerful or too small and frankly the cartridges cost too much money and were hard to come by. That's a lot cheaper in the long run. This type of filter (slightly larger than this of course if I remember correctly, same brand, same design) kept clean my late grandmother's 20 gallons that housed 3 fancy tailed goldfish and a giant African water frog. As a bonus, an aquarium with live or artificial plants is easier to hide than a power filter. The bubbles also add some atmosphere. Love it.