Fluval 207
#1 in Up to 75 galFull review
A strong value for 20 to 45 gallon tanks: generous media space and low power draw at about the price of the smaller 107.
Amazon $153.94$153.94
The Fluval 207 is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 3.9 to 2.6. The Fluval 207 leads on efficiency, turnover and value. The Penn-Plax Cascade 500 costs $23.95 less ($129.99 vs $153.94).
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 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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Fluval 207 for efficiency (20.6 gal/h per watt (10 W) vs 11 gal/h per watt (10.5 W)), turnover (206 gal/h for up to 45 gal, 4.6x per hour vs 115 gal/h for up to 30 gal, 3.8x per hour) and value ($3.42 per rated gallon ($153.94, up to 45 gal) vs $4.33 per rated gallon ($129.99, up to 30 gal)).
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 | Fluval 207 | Penn-Plax Cascade 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 31 $3.42 per rated gallon ($153.94, up to 45 gal) | 18 $4.33 per rated gallon ($129.99, up to 30 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 98 3.1 L of media, 0.7 L per 10 rated gal | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 88 206 gal/h for up to 45 gal, 4.6x per hour | 67 115 gal/h for up to 30 gal, 3.8x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 91 20.6 gal/h per watt (10 W) | 31 11 gal/h per watt (10.5 W) |
| Features 15% | 70 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, separate pre-filter | 70 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Fluval 207 | Penn-Plax Cascade 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | 20-45 gal | Up to 30 gal |
| Pump output | 206 gal/h | 115 gal/h |
| Filter circulation | 121 gal/h | - |
| Turnover | 4.6x per hour | 3.8x per hour |
| Max head height | 4.8 ft | - |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | 3.1 L | - |
| Canister volume | 5.3 L | - |
| Media baskets | - | 2 |
| Features | ||
| Primer | Yes | Yes |
| Shutoff valves | Yes | Yes |
| Separate pre-filter | Yes | 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 W | 10.5 W |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |