Abstract: An undergravel filter system for removing particulate debris and organic waste from an aquarium environment. The system comprises a screen structures which are sized and configured to completely cover the bottom of an aquarium, a cleaning element slidably mounted under the screen structure, and a suction tube extending upward from the screen structures. Each screen structure has a porous top adapted to support a layer of gravel thereon in spaced relation to the bottom of an aquarium and to allow water and debris to fall therethrough into a debris receiving space. The cleaning elements may be moved back and forth within the debris receiving space to wipe off debris collected on the top screen structure and the bottom of the aquarium and push it towards at suction tube which removes the debris from the aquarium.