Aquarium Adviser

Your Best Resource for Aquarium Supplies

  • Aquarium Filter
    • Canister Filter
    • Power Filter
    • HOB Filter
    • Turtle Tank Filter
    • Betta Filter
  • Led Aquarium Light
    • LED Lighting for Reef Tanks
    • LED Lights for Planted Tank
    • Aquarium Light Timer
  • Protein Skimmer
    • HOB Protein Skimmer
    • Nano Protein Skimmer
  • Pump
  • Fish Tank
    • Betta Fish Tanks
    • Nano Reef Tank
    • 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit
    • Fish Tank Guide
  • Reviews
    • Aquarium Filter Reviews
      • Fluval FX4 Review
      • Fluval FX6 Aquarium Canister Filter Review
      • Fluval 306 Canister Filter Review
      • Fluval External Filter 406 Review
      • Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Review
      • SunSun HW304B 370GPH Pro Canister Filter Kit Review
      • EHEIM Classic External Canister Filter Review
      • Hydor Professional External Canister Filter Review
      • Cascade 1000 Canister Filter Review
    • LED Aquarium Lights Review
      • Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light Review
      • Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light Review
      • Current USA Orbit Marine Pro LED Review
      • Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED Review
      • Finnex FugeRay Planted Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights Review
      • Galaxyhydro LED 55x3w Dimmable 165w Full Spectrum LED Review
      • Beamswork EA Timer FSPEC LED Aquarium Light Review
      • Koval 156 LED Aquarium Light Review
    • Protein Skimmer Reviews
      • SCA 302 Skimmer Review
    • Aquarium Heater Reviews
      • Hydor External Heater Review
    • Aquarium Air Pump Reviews
      • Tetra Whisper Air Pump Review
    • Reef Salt – Salt for Reef Tank
    • Coral Food
    • Turtle Food
    • Betta Fish Food
    • Cichlid Food
    • Tropical Fish Food
    • Aquarium Sand
    • Aquarium Water Conditioner
    • Substrate for Planted Tank
    • Substrate for Betta Tank
    • Sand for Reef Tank
    • Aquarium Gravel
    • Aquarium Plant Fertilizer
  • Equipment
    • Aquarium Heater
    • Aquarium Thermometer
    • Auto Top Off System
    • Aquarium Wave Maker
    • Aquarium Powerhead
    • Automatic Fish Feeder
    • Aquarium Chiller
    • UV Sterilizer
    • Aquarium CO2 Regulator
    • Aquarium Air Stone
    • Aquarium Filter Media
    • Aquarium Vacuum Cleaner
    • Aqueon & Python Water Changer
  • Blog
Home » Aquarium Filter Reviews » Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Review

Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Review

April 2, 2022 13 Comments

Share this...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on tumblr
Tumblr

The Penn Plax Cascade canister should be the next thing you buy to keep your aquarium clean at all times.

Without a doubt, you will need an aquarium filter at some point, so make sure you get the right one, always. The Penn Plax cascade filter models are worth mentioning, thanks to the features that they can offer the user.

It is still among the most popular brands when it comes to making the best canister filters the users need for their aquariums.

Table of Contents

Durability

For a model to be used externally, it should offer good durability. This model definitely delivers on your need for having a highly durable canister filter.

It might be made of plastic, but it is a hard plastic, which lasts for a long time. The durability will also depend on just how much the user cares for it. If you want it to last even longer, make sure you give it regular maintenance.

Setting It Up

Setting up is often a scary part for most users. You have to make sure that the filter is set up properly to deliver the right filtration process.

The instructions for setting it up might often seem limited, but it should not be hard to do it yourself. There is no need to call a plumber to help with installation.

Many customers even claim to have managed to set it up in just 15 minutes, but keep in mind it might take longer if it is the first time you are doing it.

Just make sure you tighten all the necessary hoses and rubber tubing on the filter. This will ensure it gets to work correctly when turned on.

Flow Rate and Capacity

Having a good flow rate is important to the whole filtration process. Thanks to the model’s superior capacity, this model can offer a flow rate of about 312 gallons per hour.

Well, that is a lot of water it can filter in an hour. The best part is, it can be used on even larger aquariums, up to capacity 150 gallons.

The inclusion of a spray bar helps with making water aeration and circulation much easier than before. It also ensures that all your aquarium water gets filtered in the shortest time possible.

Filtration Media

This is an important part of any canister filter for an aquarium. The idea is to have a product that can actually deliver the best filtration process in the end.

It all depends on the filtration media used in the filtration process. The model comes with 3 large filter trays, which should be sufficient enough to help with the whole filtration process. No dirt would be able to get past such filtration media.

What about Cleaning?

The canister filter also might need cleaning at some point. Cleaning it is essential to ensure that it keeps on working correctly. The model is made to be quite easy to clean at the moment.

First, you need to turn off the intake valve and then disconnect the hose, as you will not want any water leaks. Unplug the filter from its mounting position and wash it in a sink.

Opening it should not be hard if you just follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as given in the product manual. Once you are done with the product maintenance, you can connect it back to proceed with the filtration process.

Priming Time

To help make the priming process easier on the user, the model comes with an easy push-down button. You no longer have to siphon water into the filter to get it working.

The manufacturer advises that you push the button down for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will make the filter pump out all the air and start running so the filtration process can take place.

Keep an eye on the water bubbles. When the filter is first filled, there might be bubbles as it is pumping out the air from the canister.

If after 3 minutes you see more bubbles, it simply means there might be a problem with the filter connection. More bubbles are due to the air leaking into the canister. Make sure the canister is well connected at this point.

Pros

  • Multi-stage filtration gets all the dirt out
  • The tubes and connectors supplied with the model are of high quality
  • The self-priming feature is great for most aquariums
  • A spray bar important for water circulation is included

Cons

  • Priming the model for the first time and after cleaning can be a challenge
  • The model consumes a lot of power as it is rated 27 watts

Penn Plax Cascade 500 Canister Aquarium Filter Review unboxing

Verdict

So you have an idea of what you will be getting when buying such a model, you can always proceed to buy one today if the review helped you out. At its price, it is surely among the affordable canister filters you can buy today.

Read more Penn Plax Cascade canister reviews here.

More From Aquarium Adviser:
  • How Often to Change Carbon Filter in Fish Tank?
    How Often to Change Carbon Filter in Fish Tank?
  • How to Clean Sand in Aquarium?
    How to Clean Sand in Aquarium?
  • How to Grow Plants in Your Aquarium
    How to Grow Plants in Your Aquarium
  • How Does an Aquarium Sump Work?
    How Does an Aquarium Sump Work?
  • Where to Place Air Stone in an Aquarium?
    Where to Place Air Stone in an Aquarium?
  • Why Are My Aquarium Plants Turning Brown?
    Why Are My Aquarium Plants Turning Brown?
  • How to Get Rid of Green Hair Algae in Your Aquarium
    How to Get Rid of Green Hair Algae in Your Aquarium
  • Planted Aquarium LED Lighting Guide
    Planted Aquarium LED Lighting Guide
  • Benefits of Live Plants in Aquarium
    Benefits of Live Plants in Aquarium

Aquarium Filter Reviews, Reviews

Comments

  1. Gary Trudell says

    at

    I PURCHASED THE CASCADE 1500 FOR MY 75 GALLON CHICLID TANK & IT WORKS AS ADVERTISED. THANK YOU SO MUCH

    Reply
  2. Joshua Laliberte says

    at

    I also purchased the Cascade 1500 and am so happy with it that I purchased two more Cascade 1500 filters and a Cascade 1200 for my other setups. It is easy to use and very affordable.

    Reply
    • steve says

      at

      Takes a lot of power 27 watts. I like it too though. Have one. Tried Fluval 406. Great filter. 6 watts. only for 100 gal and down. Cascade keep[s it crystal clear…

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    at

    Great filter. Is it possible to make the spray bar lower in turtle tank. Are there extensions to go down lower then across. High above water level is noisy and splashes

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      at

      My daughter has a turtle too and we were losing a lot of water to condensation from out spray being too high. I put the whole hard tube part upside down in tank with two sections of spray bar and the flow fin on the end at water level. Works great and silent! I used suction cups to hold in place. I couldn’t find an extension or cheap tubing.

      Reply
  4. John says

    at

    I have just purchased a 700 series cascade canister filter, I have a turtle tank one good size turtle 75 gallon tank we run 2/3 full so say 50 gallons I’ve had bubble up and back mounted filters as well as this fake rock cartridge type none of them can keep up with the filth we change the water often and after last weeks filter upgrade and water change I can see it going down hill towards a swamp like environment the water is getting more cloudy daily ( much slower than the others) but I’m losing the fight I know turtles are dirty but is my filter to small is there a different media to use show about floss and charcoal old school? any input would be helpful Thanks

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      at

      When you buy a filter for a turtle tank you need to multiply the tank size by 2-3 times. So at 65 gal you needed a filter for at least 130 gal or 195 gal. Turtles are very messy. Your filter size choice is the problem. It is way undersized for use with a turtle. You need at least the 1200 series or better the 1500 series. Always choose bigger if you can afford it. You could maybe get by with buying another 700 series and running them both. But if you can, I would buy a 1500 series as turtles grow and you will end up needing a bigger tank for him. With the larger filter you are one step ahead.

      Reply
      • GH says

        at

        I have a 72 gallon tank I want to put two turtles and some fish I have in my mind right now for the winter. Would this filter be insufficient? It says it’s filter capacity is up to 100 gallons.

        Reply
  5. Chris says

    at

    Cleaning my cascade 700 for the first had two Circle baskets fall out one goes into the top tray but the other one is not listed & can’t find any information on it

    Reply
  6. Paulina says

    at

    First day,couldn’t get my cascade 1000 going,at all. Very fustrating. 2cd day,I took it all apart,put it back tigether,filled canister wuth aquarium water,poured water into intake tube,put it in tank,turned both valves on,plugged it in,and it’s working awesome. ?? Can I adjust intake and outake switches,so outflow isn’t so powerful? My 6 year old,1 lb. chocolate vieltail,is getting mived around ti much,along with all my plants. Is it ok to adjust the inflow and outflow valves,for a gentler flow. Only have a 30 gal tank now. Will get 50 gal next.

    Reply
  7. Sarah says

    at

    I had bought in this product on July 1st 2019 February 2020 the motor kick the bucket it did not keep my fish tank clean it’s not worth it at all.

    Reply
  8. lisa says

    at

    Easy to install come with all necessary accessories

    Reply
  9. Liz says

    at

    You need a bigger filter. Go 2 times or even 3 times the size of your tank, not the water that’s in it. It’s tank foot print not water amount the filters work against. That 700 is way small for turtles. What you read on the box applied to fish

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Articles

What Fish Can Live With Goldfish? – 8 Goldfish Tank Mates List

62 Comments

How Often Should You Feed a Betta Fish?

60 Comments

How Often Should You Feed Goldfish? How Much?

40 Comments

10 Best Nano Saltwater Fish For Your Nano Reef Tank

39 Comments

The 10 Best Plants for Freshwater Aquarium

34 Comments

Recent Posts

  • How Often to Change Carbon Filter in Fish Tank?
  • Preparing RO Water for Freshwater Aquarium
  • Where to Place Wavemaker in Freshwater Aquarium?
  • How Long Should You Wait to Put Betta Fish in a New Tank?
  • Where to Place Air Stone in an Aquarium?

Recent Comments

  • Dennis Kuhn on The Truth About UV Sterilizers in Aquariums
  • Praveen Ghoshal on How Often Should You Feed a Betta Fish?
  • P.KARTHIKEYAN on How to Tell if Guppies are Pregnant?
  • P.KARTHIKEYAN on How to Tell if Guppies are Pregnant?
  • Andy on 15 Best Plants for Terrarium – Easy to Grow Terrarium Plants

Aquariumadviser.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.
We do not specifically market to children under 13.

About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms | Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

DMCA.com Protection Status

© Copyright 2016-2023, Aquarium Adviser · All Rights Reserved