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
The EHEIM Classic 250 (2213) is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 2.8 to 2.6. The EHEIM Classic 250 (2213) leads on efficiency. The Penn-Plax Cascade 700 wins on features and turnover. The EHEIM Classic 250 (2213) costs $12.28 less ($144.99 vs $157.27).
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.
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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the EHEIM Classic 250 (2213) for efficiency (14.5 gal/h per watt (8 W) vs 7.4 gal/h per watt (25 W)).
- Choose the Penn-Plax Cascade 700 for features (priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow vs shutoff valves) and turnover (185 gal/h for up to 65 gal, 2.8x per hour vs 116 gal/h for up to 66 gal, 1.8x per hour).
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 | EHEIM Classic 250 (2213) | Penn-Plax Cascade 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.8/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 56 $2.20 per rated gallon ($144.99, up to 66 gal) | 51 $2.42 per rated gallon ($157.27, up to 65 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 55 3 L of media, 0.5 L per 10 rated gal | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 7 116 gal/h for up to 66 gal, 1.8x per hour | 38 185 gal/h for up to 65 gal, 2.8x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 53 14.5 gal/h per watt (8 W) | 9 7.4 gal/h per watt (25 W) |
| Features 15% | 25 shutoff valves | 70 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow |
| Warranty 10% | 25 2-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| EHEIM Classic 250 (2213) | Penn-Plax Cascade 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 66 gal | Up to 65 gal |
| Pump output | 116 gal/h | 185 gal/h |
| Turnover | 1.8x per hour | 2.9x per hour |
| Max head height | 4.9 ft | - |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | 3 L | - |
| Media baskets | - | 2 |
| Features | ||
| Primer | No | Yes |
| 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 | 8 W | 25 W |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |