Penn-Plax Cascade 500
#6 in Up to 75 galFull review
An inexpensive starter canister for tanks up to 30 gallons, with the basic conveniences but little published detail.
Amazon $129.99$129.99
The Penn-Plax Cascade 500 is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 2.6 to 2.5. The Penn-Plax Cascade 500 leads on turnover and features. The EHEIM Classic 150 (2211) wins on value and efficiency. The EHEIM Classic 150 (2211) costs $2.80 less ($127.19 vs $129.99).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Penn-Plax Cascade 500 for turnover (115 gal/h for up to 30 gal, 3.8x per hour vs 79 gal/h for up to 40 gal, 2x per hour) and features (priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow vs shutoff valves).
- Choose the EHEIM Classic 150 (2211) for value ($3.18 per rated gallon ($127.19, up to 40 gal) vs $4.33 per rated gallon ($129.99, up to 30 gal)) and efficiency (15.8 gal/h per watt (5 W) vs 11 gal/h per watt (10.5 W)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 75 gal aquarium canister filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Penn-Plax Cascade 500 | EHEIM Classic 150 (2211) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.6/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value 25% | 18 $4.33 per rated gallon ($129.99, up to 30 gal) | 35 $3.18 per rated gallon ($127.19, up to 40 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 0 media volume not published, scored as none | 18 1 L of media, 0.2 L per 10 rated gal |
| Turnover 20% | 67 115 gal/h for up to 30 gal, 3.8x per hour | 14 79 gal/h for up to 40 gal, 2x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 31 11 gal/h per watt (10.5 W) | 61 15.8 gal/h per watt (5 W) |
| Features 15% | 70 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow | 25 shutoff valves |
| Warranty 10% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Penn-Plax Cascade 500 | EHEIM Classic 150 (2211) | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 30 gal | 13-40 gal |
| Pump output | 115 gal/h | 79 gal/h |
| Turnover | 3.8x per hour | 2x per hour |
| Max head height | - | 3.9 ft |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | - | 1 L |
| Media baskets | 2 | - |
| Features | ||
| Primer | Yes | No |
| Shutoff valves | Yes | Yes |
| Separate pre-filter | No | No |
| Adjustable flow | Yes | - |
| Built-in UV | No | No |
| Built-in heater | No | No |
| Water-change valve | No | No |
| Power and build | ||
| Power draw | 10.5 W | 5 W |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |