OASE BioMaster 2 250
#2 in Up to 75 galFull review
A convenient, well-built filter for tanks up to 70 gallons, at its best for owners who want a quick-rinse pre-filter.
Amazon $229.99$229.99
The OASE BioMaster 2 250 is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 3.7 to 2.6. The OASE BioMaster 2 250 leads on efficiency, turnover and features. The Penn-Plax Cascade 700 wins on value. The Penn-Plax Cascade 700 costs $72.72 less ($157.27 vs $229.99).
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 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 OASE BioMaster 2 250 for efficiency (16.7 gal/h per watt (15 W) vs 7.4 gal/h per watt (25 W)), turnover (250 gal/h for up to 70 gal, 3.6x per hour vs 185 gal/h for up to 65 gal, 2.8x per hour) and features (priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, separate pre-filter, adjustable flow vs priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow).
- Choose the Penn-Plax Cascade 700 for value ($2.42 per rated gallon ($157.27, up to 65 gal) vs $3.29 per rated gallon ($229.99, up to 70 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 | OASE BioMaster 2 250 | Penn-Plax Cascade 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 25% | 34 $3.29 per rated gallon ($229.99, up to 70 gal) | 51 $2.42 per rated gallon ($157.27, up to 65 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 87 4.4 L of media, 0.6 L per 10 rated gal | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 59 250 gal/h for up to 70 gal, 3.6x per hour | 38 185 gal/h for up to 65 gal, 2.8x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 67 16.7 gal/h per watt (15 W) | 9 7.4 gal/h per watt (25 W) |
| Features 15% | 85 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, separate pre-filter, adjustable flow | 70 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| OASE BioMaster 2 250 | Penn-Plax Cascade 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 70 gal | Up to 65 gal |
| Pump output | 250 gal/h | 185 gal/h |
| Turnover | 3.6x per hour | 2.9x per hour |
| Max head height | 5.6 ft | - |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | 4.4 L | - |
| Pre-filter volume | 0.4 L | - |
| Media baskets | - | 2 |
| Features | ||
| Primer | Yes | Yes |
| Shutoff valves | Yes | Yes |
| Separate pre-filter | Yes | No |
| Adjustable flow | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in UV | No | No |
| Built-in heater | No | No |
| Water-change valve | No | No |
| Power and build | ||
| Power draw | 15 W | 25 W |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |