Absolutely, I was surprised too to see that motor( is that motor??) and foam filter submerged in water and sucks from there! Sobo is the general brand found in India for aquarium filters, also u can use the good filteration, some bio media and some carbon filters from other brands which are compatible to this filter, and hence u can use sobo for long run as far as u use the good bio media and carbon filter from other brands! The mechanical and electrical parts are generally have the same functions!