Flip the black switch on top of the filter (this turns off flow to the filter) and creates a vacuum seal
Say Alexa, I am cleaning the filter
Pull up on the gray tab to release the tubes
Take the filter and filter bucket out from underneath the fish tank
Lift the filter out of the bucket and carefully open it by pulling the tabs out and down.
Pour all the water into a bucket. You will use this water to clean the filter.
Note: The filter isn't just "man-made" stuff: worms and sponges and bugs grow in the filter. No need to scrub them off unless they are completely taking over.
Remove the sponges and rinse and wring them out in the set aside water.
Place them back into the sliding compartment.
Remove all baskets from right side.
Rinse and scrub, if necessary, the top lid and baskets.
Shake the ceramic cylinders in the set aside water.
Clean the carbon bags in the water. If one is looking old, replace it with a new, rinsed out carbon bag. This should be every 2-3 times you clean the filter. Replacing one at a time keeps the healthy bacteria alive and well.
Slosh water in empty filter. You can use one of the filter sponges to gently wipe the inside down. Pour water into waste bucket.
Replace sliding compartment. Replace baskets with carbon on the bottom (with the bags fully lining the basket), ceramic cylinders in the middle, and empty baskets on top.
Line the correct side of the lid up with the correct side of the box by using the logo and lock into place.
Place the filter back in the bucket and place them under the fish tank
Insert the tubes into the top of the filter and push down on the gray tab to lock the tubes into place
Push the black lever down to allow flow and wait until filter stops "glugging."
Say "Alexa, I'm done cleaning the filter" to have her turn the filter back on.
*If the filter doesn't start spitting water out, turn it back off. NEVER run the filter dry. Try priming it with the little lever by pulling it up and down rapidly. *When the filter starts running again, some bubbles, bubble crackling inside the filter, and some expulsion of gunk is all normal.*Watch for a few minutes or check back in a bit to make sure filter seal is working.