In an external tank filter, what does the Stand-Off do?

  I just got a freshwater tank (6.6 gallons) with a filter and there's an item in the filter called the "Stand Off" but I have no idea what it does! IT doesn't mention it at all in the instruction, and I want to be sure the filter is working before I start using it.



Thanks in advance!
Is it the bottom piece of the filter, like a little plastic piece?



It is used to adjust how the filter sits against the tank to help level the filter and hold it snug.