Product Title Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter 500. Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars, based on 7 reviews 7 ratings. Current Price $52.95 $ 52. 95 List List Price $63.60 $ 63. Product Title Penn-Plax Cascade Aquarium Heater. This Cascade 500 will be filtering my 29 gallon freshwater aquarium. It is well built and very quiet. Music: Bensound.com. Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Review. Penn Plax is a well-established brand, which offers products of high quality. This canister filter is made of sturdy plastic – durable and easy to maintain. The unit features two rotating taps for easy tubing attachment. The stackable trays can be filled with various types of filtering media.
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- Cascade 500 Canister Filter With the Cascade 500 Canister Filter, Penn Plax has designed a quality canister filter that stands a head above all of its competitors. The Penn Plax Cascade Aquarium Canister Filter is designed to be both simple-to-use and provide maximum filtration for your aquarium.
| Product Type | Product Name |
|---|---|
| Penn Plax Cascade 500 | |
| Penn Plax Cascade 700 | |
| Penn Plax Cascade 1000 | |
| Penn Plax Cascade 1200 | |
| Penn Plax Cascade 1500 |
Contents
- 3 Penn Plax Cascade Features
- 4 Multi-Stage and Quite a Filtration of Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter
- 5 Pros and Cons of Cascade Filter Series
- 6 Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Assembling Manual
Why Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter is the Best
Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter series offers the best at an affordable price also. With high-tech filtration mechanism, all the canister filters in the series, i.e, Penn Plax Cascade 1500, 1000, 1200, 700 and 500 are well suited for different aquarium capacity ranging up to 200 gallons.
Being an aquarist is not easy but it will give you an immense amount of satisfaction to see those tiny little creatures swimming around healthy and happily under your care.
To provide your aqua-friends with a perfect atmosphere to dwell in, having a canister filter is a must. Many of the small-sized aquariums have internally placed canister filters.
But if you own a large-sized heavy aquarium, then you are definitely supposed to have an external canister filter that will make your cleaning work less tedious. It will cut your work of cleaning every once in a while but still keeping your aquarium pollutant free.
Currently, Penn Plax Cascade series manufactures the most acclaimed powerful canister filter with the best possible features. They are designed with a large amount of filter media that are being installed to keep your aquarium clean even with your long absence from maintenance work.
Given below is a table with details of Cascade canister filter series.
Penn Plax Cascade Features
The Cascade canister filter is designed with locking lid, impeller motors, intake and outtake tubes and different types of filter media.
The work starts with the intake tube channeling the water from the aquarium tank to the canister filter where the filtration process undergoes with the help of different types of filter media.
The impeller motor then channels back the filtered water from the canister storage cylinder to your aquarium. The following features offered in the Penn-Plax Cascade aquarium canister filter series ease up the process.
High Flow Rate of Cascade Filter
The high flow rate characteristically available with the Cascade canister filter series efficiently ensures powerful and speedy water flow along with several layers of effective filtration mechanism.
Considering the variety in the quality of water content of your aquarium ranging from fresh to saltwater, these canister filters are crafted to give an almost perfect performance with every aquarium.
The attractive color of cobalt blue makes it appealing to everyone’s eyes when placed next to the aquarium. The high flow rate ensures water circulation in a regular interval that discards all the unwanted toxic fish waste from your aquarium.
And the feature that makes this cascade filter series most desirable is the regulator or the control valve for adjusting the water flow rate whenever and however required according to the size of the aquarium and fish living in it.
The control valves are also useful for cutting off the water flow for any issues related to the maintenance that may lead to leak and mess if continued with the flow of water into the canister filter.
Multi-Stage and Quite a Filtration of Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter
For effective filtration mechanism, the Penn Plax Cascade series has pre-installed filter media of different types along with the large filter trays. The numerous baskets for holding up the filter media makes it possible to have a combination of all with different filtration techniques for delivering efficient multi-stage filtration.
The pollutants in your aquarium can be different in their composition and approached to get rid of them. The combination of all these filter medium to discard different types of toxicity like chemical, mechanical or biological waste helps to provide the aquarium creatures with a healthy atmosphere to grow in.
Cascade Filter series is amongst the favorites of everyone who has ever used these because of its large filter chambers which facilitate more space to include various filter media for effective filtration and longer maintaining periods to help adjust your fish even when you are not around to take care of them.
Filtration Media of Cascade Canister Filter
The Penn-Plax Cascade aquarium canister filter package includes different media for your convenience. You may use them or can make your own combination depending on the type of waste created in your aquarium.
It is suggested to go for having a wide array of filtration possibilities to accomplish total cleanliness from every toxicity. The filtration media can be of bio-sponges, bio-floss or activated carbon depending on the composition of the waste produced in your aquarium.
It is always recommended to use the combination with more filter media because the more the media, lesser is the chance of having foul water for your aquarium creatures and reduced maintenance needs and time.
The Cascade Filter Easy to Set-up and Maintain
While buying a Cascade canister filter, the most disturbing thoughts you may have of the difficulty in setting up the filter. For your convenience, the Penn Plax Cascade canister aquarium filter series canister filter is designed to facilitate comfortable and easier set up of the machine.
Any equipment that you may need for installation work is easily available and accessible. The fast filtration mechanism then clean and clear up your aquarium after installation.
As fast as within 30 minutes of installation the filtration begins and you will be able to see the improvement in the water quality within a day or less. The Cascade filter contains a self-priming button on the lid for easy and reachable starting switch.
Your work will be reduced to only pressing the button as many as times you think is required to get sufficient speed of water flows from the intake tube into the filter. The rest work is done by the filter to keep your aquarium clean and ideal for the fish living in it.
Additional Features of Penn Plax Cascade Series Which Makes it Wonderful and Easy for Set-up
- Loaded with two independent directional 360-degree rotating valve taps to ensures hassle-free placement.
- Swimming pool style hose clamps facilitate easy assembling or disassembling of filter for setup and maintenance.
- Flow-rate control valves provide easy adjustment of flow rate to avoid any mess created because of excessive water flow or leakage.
- The directional return, meaning the channel from the aquarium to the filtration tank and then back aids for easy circulation of waste and freshwater.
- Easy-lift clamps provide for the simple removal of the top lid as and when required for cleaning or changing filter media.
- Air-tight permits no water to leak from the filtration tank and for a very quiet and sound free operation.
- A mounted tip-proof rubber base prevents the filter from any unwanted movement.
Pros and Cons of Cascade Filter Series
Pros
- Affordable price in comparison to other canister filters in the class.
- Comes with a well-explained user manual that makes your set up work easy and fun-filled.
- Adjustable buttons to control the flow of water through valves present.
- Noise-free operation.
- Available in different capacity range for you to choose from that will require less of your efforts in maintaining.
- The best quality at the price.
- Long-lasting and durable.
- Tip-proof base.
- Always remain in demand amongst the aquarist.
Cons
- The size and shape of some trays do not fit snug, creating a passage for the water to bypass through the media. But this problem has a solution too. The filter floss available in the market can easily be stuck to the side areas to prevent the flow of water through snug.
- The motor and pumping parts of the canister filter from the Cascade filter series offered by Penn Plax are sealed and covered. So if there remains any residual waste matter, algae or any debris then that stays unreachable and removing it becomes difficult.
Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Assembling Manual
Prepare Penn Plax Cascade Filter
The top lid of the Penn-Plax Cascade aquarium canister filter can be opened using the lock clips. Once it has been opened, the motor unit can be removed. You can remove the filter basket from the filter case then.
Prepare Media Baskets of the Cascade Canister Filter
The filtration process starts from the bottom of the filtration tank and then stir the water at the top. Using a floss pad and carbon bag in the bottom basket help in effective cleaning. Whereas the combination of floss pad and coarse sponge pad in the top basket is recommended.
Reassemble the Cascade Filter
Now to reassemble the Penn Plax Cascade canister aquarium filter, place the seal ring, connector and the media basket cover over the top basket. Media baskets can be fit using the clips that are attached on the sides of the top basket.
Once you install these clips, you have to slide the media basket into the slots. You will find a small opening on the motor unit. This must put in a line with the holes in the basket.
Attach the Valves of Penn-Plax Cascade Aquarium Canister Filter
The valves are easy to attach. Once you attach these valves to ports on the motor unit, you will be able to restrict the flow of water. Both “in” and “out” port are marked with different colors.
The valve with blue ring must be attached to the “in” port and the black one must be attached to the “out” port.
Position the Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter
Placing your cascade filter in an easy place for your reach is a good idea. It can be accessed without any discomfort. The hose is not supposed to attach yet. Hose with valves can be removed from the motor easily enough to remain at the aquarium during filter maintenance.
Hose Attachment Cascade Canister Filter
The intake tube and hose must be attached. The blue-colored hose ring must be fit aligning the intake port. Now, attach the intake tube extension and the strainer. Using two suction cups will help in securing the intake tube to the aquarium wall.
Exhaust Hose Assembly of Penn Plax Cascade
Either a spray bar or a directional spout can be used. Any choice you make will help to break surface water to provide oxygen exchange for your aquarium. The only difference between these two is the force asserted.
While in case of the directional spout a forceful circulating flow is created in any direction whereas the spray bar evenly distributes the filtered water across the length of the aquarium. You can even adjust the height for positioning the directional spout or spray bar. The two extra elbow connectors will do the needful.
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- Build Quality
- Accessories
- Design
- Ease of Use
- Value for Money
FCG Verdict
While there are some notes to consider when it comes to this canister filter, there are definitely a ton of pros that come with it like its ease of use, and convenient features.
Some components have some users wary, but the Penn Plax Cascade Canister Filter still has efficiency and affordability in its corner.
>>> Check current price on Amazon.
Whether you’re seeking a canister filter for a new aquarium or for your old, reliable one, the Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter could be your ideal fit.
It’s easy to set up, simple to maintain, and with the inclusion of the primer button and adjustable flow rate, it’s rather convenient to use.
Unfortunately, not everyone who tried this filter had a good experience. Some testers had issues with the filter leaking, breaking down, or not working as advertised. Are these the rare instances or the overall verdict?
Before you make your final decision, let’s take a closer look at the Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter.
Contents
- 1 Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter: The Details
- 2 Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter Review
Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter: The Details
Specs
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 10.6 x 8.4 inches.
- Filter Capacity: Up to 45 gallons.
- Flow Rate: 172 gph.
- Media Stages: Three-stage media.
- Self-Priming or Standard: Self-priming.
Features
Capacity
Penn Plax Cascade Elite 500 Instructions
The Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter works on aquariums that hold up to 45 gallons of water. Penn Plax does offer bigger options, so don’t be discouraged if you have a larger tank than this.
Since 45 gallons is an averagely sized tank, if you have a fish bowl or a gigantic aquarium, this is not for you.
However, if you own a tank that is around 20 to 45 gallons, the Cascade Marlin will suit your needs perfectly.
Media
In terms of media, this Cascade Marlin filter comes with Bio-Floss to trap particulates and pieces of food.
Along with this, you have Bio-Sponges for biological filtration, but Penn Plax also recommends getting Pro-Carb/Pro-Carb-Z, which is filled with activated carbon.
Finally, there are Bio-Rings, which allow for better circulation of the water and more oxygen to be transferred into the tubing.
The filter also includes two large media trays to store all of these items. Because they are rather sizable, they’re easy to remove and clean. No juggling required!
Adjustable Flow Rate
This canister filter has an adjustable flow rate. So, while it can work through 172 gallons per hour, that can be adjusted based on your needs.
You can tweak this rate with the flow control handle and the two valve taps, the latter of which can be rotated 360 degrees.
If the water is moving too quickly and your fish are being sucked to the tubing, you can lower it to a more gentle flow.
Lighting
The Cascade Marlin comes with a UV sterilization light on the filter that helps control a number of things, including algae, bacteria, fungi, and protozoans.
Additionally, it helps prevent the water from turning green and shuts off automatically when the clips on the filter are opened.
However, this only comes with certain filters, so if you buy this on Amazon, make sure to select the correct one.
Primer Button
Priming is one of the most difficult and – at times – the most frustrating parts of buying a new filter. However, this Cascade Marlin removes that hassle with the inclusion of a primer button.
Simply press it a couple of times and the filter is primed. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter Review
The Positives
Easy to Set Up
The Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter is very easy to set up. It shouldn’t take more than half an hour.
Penn Plax Cascade 1000 Manual
Once all the pieces are unboxed, you will first remove the top and take out the media trays. Fill them up with whatever media you prefer or just use the included media.
Finally, place the filled trays inside the filter, stacking them on top of each other.
Next, put the motorhead on top of the filter, securing each of the four clamps to guarantee it is properly attached. Adjust the inlet and outlet nozzles to your liking, and then adjust the flow rate to best suit your aquarium.
Attach the tubing to the intake and outflow nozzles. They are colored, so it’s easy to figure out which one is which.
Finally, attach the tubes and the filter to your tank, placing it wherever you decide. After this, just press the priming button – multiple times and very quickly – to get the filter going. That’s it! You’ve set up your filter.
Convenient
Many users noted how convenient this filter is – especially with the adjustable flow rate nozzles.
There’s no need to buy extra equipment – simply adjust the nozzles to reach the flow rate you prefer, customizing the rate to fit with your unique tank and fish. The instructions are easily laid out for users, so you’ll spend less time fumbling with this filter altogether.
The inclusion of the UV sterilization light means you won’t have to worry about algae, bacteria or fungi taking over your aquarium either, leaving your pets happy and you with less to deal with.
What’s even more convenient is that you’ll have your media ready to go right out of the box. While you’ll need to buy replacements later, you can have your filter up and running without having to seek out extras.
Additionally, because this is basically a self-priming pump, there’s no hassle involved in getting things started; it’s just the press of a button!
Easy to Maintain
Testers were also pleased by the easy maintenance involved with this canister filter.
To change the media, just open up the top of the filter, pull out the media trays, throw out the media you want to replace, put in the new media, and place the trays back into the canister.
That’s it. There are no tiny compartments that need cleaning, no difficult parts to disassemble, and no scrubbing required.
Penn Plax Cascade 500 Manual
If you want to rinse out the trays while you have them outside the filter, feel free to do that as well.
Strong and Efficient
You won’t have to worry about this canister filter keeping up with your aquarium, customers have noted that the Cascade Marlin Filter has a strong flow, ensuring that your filter does its job.
The flow is adjustable, so while it may be too strong for some fish, it will be easy to customize it for them.
Along with a strong flow, you’ll get a quick-acting filter as well. Users loved how efficient this filter is; it won’t take days or weeks before you notice changes in your tank. In fact, most users had their tank clear in a matter of hours or less!
This is great since the filter will show its worth almost immediately, and you won’t have to second-guess if the Cascade Marlin will deliver.
Quiet Functionality
Some aquariums can be annoying due to their sound. Not only does the whirring or gurgling of a filter tend to drown out the welcomed sounds around you, but it can certainly tone down the ‘zen’ depending on where you place it.
You won’t be limited in where you can place your aquarium thanks to how quiet the Cascade Marlin canister filter is though!
Most users noted that this canister filter performs near whisper-quiet so you won’t have to worry about too many interruptions coming from your aquarium.
If you want to watch your fishy friends as you fall asleep, or want the company of your aquarium, you can set your tank and this filter up in a bedroom or conversational area without worry.
The Negatives
Expensive Media
Users were unhappy with how much the media costs. Since these will need replacing semi-frequently, it can impact your budget.
The first batch of media is included, and they are very convenient to use. Nonetheless, when it comes time to swap them out, you’ll be limited to buying the types this filter is compatible with.
The price of Bio-Rings and Bio-Floss can add up very quickly.
Leaked
A couple of testers had issues with the filter leaking. That’s never good. While the clamps located at the filter’s cap are supposed to make it watertight, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Some people came home to a great deal of water leaking onto their floors. Due to its low price tag, this may be a “you get what you pay for” situation.
Retired Sooner Than Expected
Some testers also had issues with this Penn Plax filter breaking down after only a month. That is unacceptable.
No matter if a product inexpensive or not, it shouldn’t become defective after four weeks or less. A number of users speculated that, if the filter had been made out of higher quality materials, it may have enjoyed a greater lifespan.
It seems like Penn Plax didn’t put their best foot forward when creating the Cascade Marlin which made a few users skeptical about the brand.
Advertising Issues
There were also a few testers who questioned the Cascade Marlin’s true capacity. Specifically, it didn’t seem to work on 45 gallons at all.
While Penn Plax lists that as the maximum capacity for this filter, many users noted that it struggled to clean anything bigger than a 20-gallon tank.
If you’re looking to use this in a large tank, you’re better off sticking to a smaller aquarium with this filter.
Overall Verdict
After looking through all the positives and negatives, we would cautiously recommend the Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter.
A number of users had many problems with this device including leaks, it breaking down, and overall it may not offer the same abilities as those advertised. Luckily, there are many great filters available on the market, so we advise that you continue shopping for your ideal fit.
That being said, if you’re looking for affordability, it may be worth giving this filter a try.
Where to Buy the Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter
Penn Plax has a large variety of aquatic equipment and accessories available to pet and aquarium owners. Their products are known for being affordable, and the Cascade Marline Canister Filter is one example of that.
While it’s usually best to check pet, fish, and aquatic stores, Items from the Cascade Marlin line including the Penn Plax Cascade Marlin Canister Filter are available both in-store and online.
You can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.
- One Stop Fish Shop (from $49)
- Marine and Reef (from $195)
- Wal Mart (from $79)
And of course, you can also find this canister filter on Amazon.
That’s the end of this Penn Plax Canister Filter review. Willing to give it a try?