I purchased this item to use on the intake of my Aquaclear power filter. Reason being tank is a 29 gallon used as a desktop display used for Tanganikyan shell dwellers. But know this if you use sand in your aquarium especially with cichlids that constantly dig it will eventually get caught up in your power filter impeller assembly, thereby shortening its service life. This filter serves triple duty as a great prefilter to keep sand out of the impeller, creates beneficial microbes for fry to eat and polishes water.