Review on FREESEA Aquarium Power Filter Gallon by Janalee Black

My first concern is that although it looks like a simple filter it has to come with detailed instructions on how to build it. I assembled and connected it but it doesn't work. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong because I'm new to all this turtle stuff. I've read some reviews that it doesn't work when the water level is low, but I'm not sure it will work for this tank. The water is above the small round piece below, but nothing works. I think I should just return it and get a better one.