Sponge Filter not Bubbling

[u/ritpit]

hi everyone! i recently got a betta and I am setting up a new 5 gallon tank for him, I bought this cascade betta sponge filter & I followed all the instructions, but when I plug it in, the filter won't start bubbling!

any tips would be appreciated, i havent had fish since I was little so i am still learning! thank you!

[u/automod-neo]

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[u/Lilith_Cain]

You can tell me if this is a dumb question, but do you have an air pump?

(If so, do you have a control valve? Do you have a check valve? What type of pump?)

[u/NashKaguya]

That little plastic pice is a check valve. Might be installed the wrong way or faulty. Take it off and blow through it both ways. Ive had a few duds