Penn-Plax Undergravel Aquarium Filter for 10 Gallon Tanks – Two 9.5” x 9.5” Plates – Under Gravel System for Clear, Clean Water – Safe for Freshwater and Saltwater Tanks

This undergravel filter is about as cheap as one could make something out of plastic, yet it does the job.I would have preferred one of the "Pro" versions that is made of thicker plastic but the prices are just crazy.I put this filter together, you have to snap or cut out some pieces to join the plates. Take your time or you will crack them.I had to cut the lift tubes a little to make them fit (Allow the hose to be connected and still let the lid fit.I have not used an undergravel filter in some time, I bought this to see if it will make a difference with the black beard algae that I have issues with.

As anybody with experience knows: under-gravel setups are the way to go! I've been doing aquariums for 50+ years. And Penn-Plax provides a great product here! Simple assembly and good quality materials. They even provide the airstones which I didn't expect. You just need a pump and tubing!Notes: 1) The tabs on the lower ends of the tubes can have a tight fit into the plates. I just used an emery board to file the edges of the tabs back a bit to make fit looser. Don't force the tabs into the plate otherwise you might break the tube like other reviewers here did. ;-)2) It takes time for this type of system to start to work properly (up to a couple of weeks) .... so don't expect miraculous overnight results. But once it cycles you will be very pleased!3) Buy some of what I call "Bugs in a Bottle" (anaerobic bacteria treatment for aquariums) That will help the system get up and going faster4) With a little careful snipping here and there you can reload the cartridges with your own bulk activated charcoal and save a bunch of money!

Penn Plax UGFs (undergravel filters) are a good budget friendly option.Some things to be aware of if you are considering this type of filter for the first time:1. Gravel size. You want about 1/4 - 3/8 inch gravel. Not large/jumbo 1/2 inch rocks / marbles. The gravel becomes the filter, so it needs lots of surface area. Your regular aquarium gravel from Wally World or Topfin aquarium gravel will do fine. You can get the cheapest of the right size you can find. Rinse it well in a colander or old pillowcase before using. It will take time to cycle. I use this: https://a.co/d/fUsehAl rather than Seachem Prime (possibly the most popular de-chorinator on youtube).2. Airstones - the ones that come with this are fine to start, but I wouldn't buy them. Same with the competition's. I want airstones that are reusable, less than 1/2 inch wide, and have no back pressure on them (you can blow through the tube at the top and feel the air). I have found two that do this. Ziss airstones (google them) or these on amazon: https://a.co/d/bhGkeRV - these last a long time between cleanings and can be cleaned by soaking in a mix of baking soda/water overnight (or longer if needed).4. Air pump - for a 10 gallon, you want a light air pump. Stronger pumps are for deeper tanks, or multiple tanks. The Tetra: https://a.co/d/4mFhvzi is fine for a 10 gallon (with the right air stones) and is budget friendly. For just starting, get something like this kit: https://a.co/d/6zVe2JX so you can send air to both air stones. 3 outlets (as shown) are nice in case you want to 'bleed' extra air out of the unused one to reduce flow, or hookup a box/sponge filter or another air stone later. These also provide 'flow control' so you can adjust the air flow that way. Kit also has 2 check valves, though you will only need 1.5. Get decent tubing. Clear Python brand is fine https://a.co/d/86H9Cuc .Finally - my biggest con of Penn Plax UGFs - is with the company. No where can I find replacement or spare parts. This is a relatively minor issue due to the low cost, but if you break the gravel guards (the part that connects the tube to the 'filter' that sits on the bottom of the tank) when setting this up, you have to buy a whole new filter just to get that part. Lee's (while more expensive) does sell replacement parts.Have fun!

It got here fast, I love the product since I already had my fish in the tank with gravel I did not lock it in place a yet it is perfectly stable I am super happy!

I love under gravel filters for my fish tanks and use them regularly. I still have the original one I purchased for my 55 gallon tank and it is still going strong. Kept a safe and healthy tank for over twenty years until my fish just died out. I purchased this particular one for my 10 gallon which used to have a hang on type filter. I purchased another, fa smaller one for my 5.5 gallon tank to replace a hang on filter. All are Lee brand. Highly recommend under gravel filters for ease of use, reliability and operation. I use mine with powerheads so no air pump, tubing or air stones are necessary but they come with them if you prefer to use them. Powerheads are easier to set up, use and maintain than the tubing etc.

Was broken

I have a 10 gallon aquarium with a half dozen fish and some live plants. I wanted to go for a simple filtration solution, and this fit the bill. It simply snaps together, then you place it in the tank, pour in your gravel and connect your air pump.So far I am loving it. It is nice and quiet and the water is crystal clear.

I started a 10 gallon aquarium and this filter works great