EHEIM Classic 250 (2213)
#4 in Up to 75 galFull review
A proven, low-cost canister for tanks of 30 to 55 gallons. Flow is gentle, which suits planted tanks and slow-moving fish.
Amazon $144.99$144.99
Up to 66 gal116 gal/h3 L
2.6/5
An inexpensive starter canister for tanks up to 30 gallons, with the basic conveniences but little published detail.
- Up to 30 galTank size
- 115 gal/hFlow
- 10.5 WPower
Check price at Amazon$129.99
Price checked November 9, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Push-button primer and 360-degree valve taps
- Low price for a canister
Cons
- Penn-Plax publishes no 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 (this one) | 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 | 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 | CCF1UL |
|---|---|
| Capacity | |
| Rated aquarium | Up to 30 gal |
| Pump output | 115 gal/h |
| Turnover | 3.8x per hour |
| Media | |
| Media baskets | 2 |
| 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 | 10.5 W |
Alternatives in this tank size
Penn-Plax Cascade 700
#5 in Up to 75 galFull review
A budget canister for tanks up to 65 gallons. It costs less than the big names but uses more power and says less about its media space.
Amazon $157.27$157.27
Up to 65 gal185 gal/h
EHEIM Classic 150 (2211)
#7 in Up to 75 galFull review
A cheap, long-lived basic canister for tanks up to 40 gallons, best where light flow and a low price matter more than media space.
Amazon $127.19$127.19
13-40 gal79 gal/h1 L
Compare
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