The filter is inexpensive, has a good pool Nano -einstellbare- performance. He is very quiet - if you turn him before commissioning under water and some air inside the enclosure escape can- The filter part may be readily seen, the pump remains in the basin. Clean under running water and on it goes. If you like, even the small amount of activated carbon can simply replace it with granules etc. - or re-fill with new activated carbon. Thus, in my estimation of buying a new cartridge is long not be necessary or useful. In addition, as the organisms in the filter remain intact. Strong buy recommendation.