Fluval FX2
#6 in Over 150 galFull review
A 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 $296.99$296.99
The Fluval FX2 is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 3.2 to 2.7. The Fluval FX2 leads on efficiency and turnover. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 wins on value and features. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 costs $31.99 less ($265 vs $296.99).
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.
Penn-Plax Cascade 1500
#7 in Over 150 galFull review
A five-basket canister for large tanks on a budget. Plan on extra circulation for tanks near its rating.
Amazon $265$265
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Fluval FX2 for efficiency (17.6 gal/h per watt (27 W) vs 7.7 gal/h per watt (45.5 W)) and turnover (475 gal/h for up to 175 gal, 2.7x per hour vs 350 gal/h for up to 200 gal, 1.8x per hour).
- Choose the Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 for value ($1.32 per rated gallon ($265, up to 200 gal) vs $1.70 per rated gallon ($296.99, up to 175 gal)) and features (priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow vs priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every over 150 gal aquarium canister filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Fluval FX2 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 70 $1.70 per rated gallon ($296.99, up to 175 gal) | 84 $1.32 per rated gallon ($265, up to 200 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 13 3.9 L of media, 0.2 L per 10 rated gal | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 35 475 gal/h for up to 175 gal, 2.7x per hour | 7 350 gal/h for up to 200 gal, 1.8x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 72 17.6 gal/h per watt (27 W) | 11 7.7 gal/h per watt (45.5 W) |
| Features 15% | 55 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves | 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 FX2 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 175 gal | Up to 200 gal |
| Pump output | 475 gal/h | 350 gal/h |
| Filter circulation | 343 gal/h | - |
| Turnover | 2.7x per hour | 1.8x per hour |
| Max head height | 6.9 ft | - |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | 3.9 L | - |
| Canister volume | 10.6 L | - |
| Media baskets | - | 5 |
| Features | ||
| Primer | Yes | Yes |
| Shutoff valves | Yes | Yes |
| Separate pre-filter | - | No |
| Adjustable flow | - | Yes |
| Built-in UV | No | No |
| Built-in heater | No | No |
| Water-change valve | No | No |
| Power and build | ||
| Power draw | 27 W | 45.5 W |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |