A media-heavy filter for tanks up to 160 gallons, for owners who value biological capacity over raw flow.
Amazon $334.99
A five-basket canister for large tanks on a budget. Plan on extra circulation for tanks near its rating.
- Up to 200 galTank size
- 350 gal/hFlow
- 45.5 WPower
Price checked November 9, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Five baskets for tanks up to 200 gallons
- Primer and swiveling valve taps
- Draws 45.5 W
- Turnover is low for a 200 gallon rating
- No published media volume or warranty
The Penn-Plax Cascade family
Every Penn-Plax Cascade model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own tank size.
| Model | Tank size | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn-Plax Cascade 500 | Up to 30 gal | 2.6/5 | $129.99 |
| Penn-Plax Cascade 700 | Up to 65 gal | 2.6/5 | $157.27 |
| Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 | Up to 100 gal | 2.8/5 | $174.99 |
| Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 | Up to 150 gal | 2.8/5 | $193.01 |
| Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 (this one) | Up to 200 gal | 2.7/5 | $265 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 6 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its tank size. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | CCF5UL |
|---|---|
| Capacity | |
| Rated aquarium | Up to 200 gal |
| Pump output | 350 gal/h |
| Turnover | 1.8x per hour |
| Media | |
| Media baskets | 5 |
| Features | |
| Primer | Yes |
| Shutoff valves | Yes |
| Separate pre-filter | No |
| Adjustable flow | Yes |
| Built-in UV | No |
| Built-in heater | No |
| Water-change valve | No |
| Power and build | |
| Power draw | 45.5 W |
Alternatives in this tank size
The most media in one canister here. On tanks near 225 gallons, add a powerhead for flow.
Amazon $379.99A compact high-flow canister for large tanks. Its media space is modest for the rating, so it suits tanks well under 175 gallons best.
Amazon $296.99Compare
Compare the Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 with any other aquarium canister filter →
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