Instructions
Place the main filter "box" on the side of the tank. If you have a cover on the tank, there should be a space wide enough that will indicate where to put it.
Place the little black motor box into the little circle in the bottom of the filter. It should fit in and slide into place until secure.
Fit together the plastic tubes, and then put one end over the filter and into a little circle where the motor is. It should fit into place so that the longer part of the tube goes into the water of your tank. Be sure that the open part at the bottom of the tube is completely submerged or the filter will not work properly.
Open your filter cartridges and a carbon packet. Pour the carbon packet into one of the cartridge sleeves, and then wash the whole thing under water for a few seconds. If the cartridge is just one piece with the carbon (little back pebbles) already inside, then just wash that off.
Fill the filter with water from the tank, using a cup. Place the cartridge in its little slot in the filter. Plug in the filter, being sure to let part of the cord loop down under the electric socket so that spilling water doesn't follow the cord down into the socket.
Pour more water into either the tank, or the filter box itself if the filter is making churning noises. Water should start to flow in less than a minute.
How to Operate a Fish Tank Filter
Most fish tank filters are external and fit on the side of the tank. It's important that they are set up correctly from the beginning, as otherwise the fish in the tank could become ill from poor water conditions. The filter must fit into the side of the tank correctly, as well as have its cartridges, and all of its various pieces including the plastic tubes, motor and plug all set up in the right way in order for it to operate at peak efficiency.