Aquariums & Tanks(1,375)
Books & Media(14)
CO2 Systems(2)
Chillers(2)
Decor(390)
Feeders(64)
Filter Media(215)
Filters(1,041)
Filters & Pumps(15)
Food(790)
Furniture(4)
Gravel & Substrates(243)
Heaters(177)
Hoods & Lighting(290)
Lighting(5)
Maintenance(257)
Medication(94)
Pond(31)
Protein Skimmers(74)
Reef Care(69)
Salt Mixes(111)
Stands & Furniture(364)
Thermometers(93)
Shop Now At petco.com
Customer Reviews for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Heavy-duty external aquarium filter delivers powerful mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration for crystal clear water in fresh or marine aquariumsExtra-large capacity stackable fish tank filter medium containersThree year warrantyUser-friendly design with push-button self-primerAvailable in three different models that range from 30-gallon to 100-gallon aquariumsIncludes filter media
Average Customer Rating:
(112 Reviews) 112
Rating Breakdown 112 reviews
5 stars
67
4 stars
20
3 stars
7
2 stars
4
1 star
14
93 out of 112(83%)reviewers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Review 1 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Trouble Priming then it humms!!
PostedMay 16, 2006
A wet finger
from Chicago
After installing the tubing on the tank and suction lines, I found allowing a powerhead within the tank to blow into the open end of the suction line, removing the screen obviously, it primes almost instantly!! I have a 125gal and own two cascade 1000s for it. Literally scrubs the water!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Share:
+21points
28of 35voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
The best filter I've ever owned.
PostedMarch 23, 2013
Dans85
from Colorado
Bought the 1000 model yesterday for my 40g planted as an upgrade over my HOB, and within minutes, I noticed a difference. Having only used HOB filters in the past, this was a HUGE upgrade from all of the ones that I have ever used. I highly recommend this to anyone that is in the market for an inexpensive canister.
Setup was a breeze, no leaks, and It's whisper quiet. What more could you ask for??
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Terrible, awful.
PostedMarch 16, 2013
Jetaimekala
from Palatine, IL
I got the penn plax cascade 1000 in store for 125.00 and it is garbage. I have a 55g tank with a RES turtle and this thing could not clear the water or remove any smell. I hooked up the spray bar that it comes with, this is even more garbage, the flow seemed alright but not adequate for what I needed to see since this is turtle tank, so I need to see serious flow of water coming out and it just didn't have it... this is after 3 days then I finally removed the spray bar and just did the regular spout it comes with since this filter does give you option to use spray bar or spout. I thought the spout would possibly push more water out even if just a bit, it did not help at all and tank looked just as dirty this is after 24 hrs. I then thought ok there is not enough media and the certain media that did come with it is garbage. I removed the filter bio floss it came with and bought my own and stuffed that in place of the original floss, I then bought the penn plax/cascade bio-rings and put that in with the filter media as well to see if would help, still did not. I had this filter for over a week and it could not clear the water or remove the smell, it left my water dark like my turtles had just defecated and had a buffet of food, it smelled like a stinky pond and still had things floating in it from what the previous filter I had could not clean. I returned this to store disgusted and dissatisfied, I mean when I opened the filter to change out the media it was barely even dirty in the water, clearly this filter is not built to do its job and lacks good flow and proper filtration. I ended up getting the API nexx Aquarium FILTER and it is doing quite well, clearing my tank within 3 days, something the penn plax just could not do. Do not buy this, I think if you have another filter to help this one out and have just a regular fish tank it may do all right but otherwise I would not get it. I have like I said a RES turtle and they are about 100 times more messy than fish so I need a filter that really filters and not some little trickling water waste of my time and money. I hate this filter, in my opinion I would not buy it and cannot recommend it. Just don't do it.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share:
-7points
0of 7voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Doesnt not filter!
PostedMarch 13, 2013
jczyznikiewicz
from Chicago, IL
I setup my saltwater tank again and purchased this filter because the price was decent and it had good reviews. So when I set it up my tank thewater was cloudy like normal. no big deal. 2 weeks go by and still no change... so now I am kinda mad. so for the heck of it i hook up my old hang on back power filter and viola next day crystal clear water!! Had the 700 on a 55 gal tank. will be returning asap. dont buy this spend a few extra bucks and get a good one. dont be cheap like me and learn the hard way :|
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share:
-2points
0of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Great filter at an affordable price
PostedJanuary 9, 2013
Fishman888
from Stanwood, WA
This filter works very good. It keeps my tank very clean. It is very easy to clean and to replace the filter cartridges. It is very quiet. This filter is great! I highly recommend it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Well performing and quiet
PostedDecember 18, 2012
Niesia
I've had this filter for over six months now and it is performing very well. The nicest feature is the soft, pliable hoses, sturdy/good quality intake/outflow (that's what you see in the tank) and easy, well marked connections of fittings. Set up was extremely easy, since all parts were marked in/out it was very easy to set up, hardly no instructions necessary. The only complaint is that it took a day for all air to totally escape the filter, hence the air noise. With 50 micron water polishing pad it keeps my tank water crystal clear. Monthly maintenance is a snap. I would use this canister filter on my bigger tank if the producer was making bigger filters.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Cascade Canister filter
PostedOctober 7, 2012
Rmikey
from Ct
Excellent filter! Have the cascade 700, very easy to set up. Directions are easy to understand. Started right away when all connected. Cleared my tank in no time. I I was picking between this and the fulval 306. Picked this filter for the price as I did not see any other difference.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Good budget canister
PostedSeptember 24, 2012
This is a good budget canister. The only real complaint would be the lack of filter media. These canisters have a ton of space and they dont really give you anything to fill them with. But for the price I think they beat out a lot of other filters out there.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
FANTASTIC FILTER!
PostedSeptember 23, 2012
pondgal
from Illinois
I have been using these filters for my tanks for years now, and they just can't be beat! The ease in cleaning, the set up, and the QUIET running of them....Wonderful in all! I just bought my 5th one to replace one that finally died after 9 YEARS! I have a 150, 2-75's, and a 55 gallon tank , and all are being filtered with these. They keep the water crystal clear, even in my goldfish tank! You won't be sorry you bought this filter!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Looks better than it works
PostedSeptember 19, 2012
Anonymous
from Las Cruces
-too little flow (use it to support 2nd filter) for a 55 gal
-hoses and plastic piping always become clogged
(also caused by too little flow!)
-self primer does not work well
-if you put too much filter material inside, it will reduce flow even more
-hoses and plastic piping always become clogged
(also caused by too little flow!)
-self primer does not work well
-if you put too much filter material inside, it will reduce flow even more
I really would buy it again,..but only for a 10 gal with 2 fish in it...Will definetely build a DIY pump with a fountain pump and sell this unit to cover the costs...
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share:
-2points
0of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Disappointed With Clarity
PostedAugust 15, 2012
Monroe
from Baltimore
I set up the baskets as Penn-Plax suggested, yet the water has never been clear. I have a 90 gallon tank two-thirds full with nothing in it but 2 painted turtles with shells spanning roughly 4 inches accross, and two synthetic rocks for basking. I feed the turtles outside the tank and vacuum the bare tank bottom every two days. This canister filter is supposed to be designed to clean more than this amount of water in a very short time. I am even accounting for the water that bypasses the filter baskets which I can plainly see when it is running. I have shortened the hoses to increase the draw to and from the filter, with little improvement. I am disappointed. Please advise, as my turtles deserve a better environment, and I would like to see them without straining.
-----Original Message-----
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share:
-10points
1of 12voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Easy and efficient
PostedAugust 10, 2012
rnpitty
from La Center, WA
This is my first canister filter. read several reviews and was somewhat afraid to actually use a canister due to set up difficulties and cost. I went with the Penn Pax as it was low priced. I figured I could purchase a couple of HOB filters for my 75 gal if this didn't work out. It was easy to set up and started perfectly. It's very quiet and keeps my tank clean. I just changed my carbon for the first time and it was easy as well. Follow and hold on to the instructions and you can't go wrong with the Cascade 1000.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
My first canister
PostedAugust 8, 2012
Rudeboy216
from Cleveland,Ohio
I really love my new penn plax canister my water on my turtle tank is really clear and clean
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Canister Filter
PostedJune 1, 2012
BadPlax
from Omaha Ne.
The filter case has a broken latch upon arrival from the shipper. And it arrived after 5pm, so I could not get Penn Plax on the phone as they only have customer service open from 730am to 430pm Monday thru Friday. Then after leaving a message and waiting 4 days I finally hear back while I'm at work, still no resolution. However, the pump works without a flaw, even with the broken latch... No leaks and the tank is very clean, water quality is great. The product is built shoddy, all flimsy plastic instead of a thicker plastic. But is very easy to maintain, clean and set up.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Cascade
PostedMay 19, 2012
Kansasslider
from Manhattan KS
these filters are nice and quite! Easy to prime as long as you make sure there are no loops or bends and the hose is as short as possible.They should come with ceramic rings but dont?Don't use the floss they come with set it up in this manner and it will work a lot better. In the bottom media tray you want a coarse sponge filter with carbon on top of that in the top tray you want a coarse filter with ceramic rings on top of that.If you set it up like this it's much easier to clean and you wont take the risk of it clogging up as often like it would if you used floss.The reason I only gave it 3 paws is because it comes with floss and no ceramic rings. Other than that it's a great filter!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
will be replacing
PostedMay 12, 2012
nthappy
from sioux falls sd
I got my 55 gallon tank with this filter system for Christmas. I have never had clear water. The nitrate, nitrite and amonia levels are good so the fish
don't mind but I am really disappointed that I have constantly hazy water.
don't mind but I am really disappointed that I have constantly hazy water.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share:
-6points
0of 6voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Great product overall
PostedMay 1, 2012
twocatsandaturtle
from Omaha Ne
I find this to be an overall great filter system. But.... If you are using it for a turtle just know you will want to go with a bigger version then your tank size requirements or double up [which is what I did]. I have two of these on my 55 gallon tank with a red ear slidder. One was ok but I was changing the media a lot more often as turtles are just messy little pets.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+1point
2of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Great Canister
PostedApril 28, 2012
Emily0124
from Moline, Il
I've had this same model for about 7 years and just recently purchased a new one. I'm happy with the alterations they've made to the product. The screw down feature on the hoses makes it seem much more secure. I've always been impressed with the ease of maintenance with this filter, it's super easy to rinse clean and the black filter mats last forever.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
fish tank Dr.
PostedApril 14, 2012
dantheman2012
from Greensboro NC
Easy to assemble, easy to clean. Very quiet operation. Very powerful filter, best bang for your buck in my opionion. Don't think I woud ever buy a diffrent brand after owning this one.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share:
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filters
Overall rating
Product is Okay
PostedFebruary 22, 2012
turtleshopper12
from Ca
I brought this filter in my 50gallon turtle tank. I have 2 RES and they make quite a bit of mess. The filter itself was missing a part. Regardless, I put it together and it was great for 2 days. Now the water is getting dirty again and im going to return this as soon as i get my XP4. Also, for a turtle tank, since we cannot fill the tank all the way to the top, the spray bar ends up making tons of noise as it hits the water. Overall, i wouldn't recommend buying it.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share:
-5points
1of 7voted this as helpful.