Abstract: The present invention provides an aquarium filtering system having a pump housing and a filter assembly which is detachably secured to the pump housing for cleaning or replacement. The pump housing includes two conduits which register with and telescopically receive two conduits on the filter assembly as the filter assembly is connected to the pump housing thus fluidly connecting the pump housing and filter assembly together. A yoke is slidably mounted to the pump housing and movable between a locking and unlocking position. In its locking position, the yoke engages two locking tabs on the filter assembly thus mechanically attaching the filter assembly to the pump housing. Conversely, in its unlocking position, the yoke enables the filter assembly to be removed from the pump housing.