OASE BioMaster 2 350
#1 in 76 to 150 galFull review
A top choice for 55 to 90 gallon tanks, pairing lots of media with the easiest pre-filter cleaning here.
Amazon $249.99$249.99
The OASE BioMaster 2 350 is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 3.7 to 2.8. The OASE BioMaster 2 350 leads on efficiency, turnover and features. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 wins on value. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 costs $75 less ($174.99 vs $249.99).
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 1000
#5 in 76 to 150 galFull review
A low-cost way to filter a tank up to 100 gallons. Power use and missing specs keep it behind the premium brands.
Amazon $174.99$174.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the OASE BioMaster 2 350 for efficiency (18.8 gal/h per watt (16 W) vs 9.3 gal/h per watt (28.5 W)), turnover (300 gal/h for up to 90 gal, 3.3x per hour vs 265 gal/h for up to 100 gal, 2.6x 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 1000 for value ($1.75 per rated gallon ($174.99, up to 100 gal) vs $2.78 per rated gallon ($249.99, up to 90 gal)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 76 to 150 gal aquarium canister filter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | OASE BioMaster 2 350 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 43 $2.78 per rated gallon ($249.99, up to 90 gal) | 69 $1.75 per rated gallon ($174.99, up to 100 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 86 5.6 L of media, 0.6 L per 10 rated gal | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 52 300 gal/h for up to 90 gal, 3.3x per hour | 33 265 gal/h for up to 100 gal, 2.6x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 80 18.8 gal/h per watt (16 W) | 21 9.3 gal/h per watt (28.5 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 2 350 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 90 gal | Up to 100 gal |
| Pump output | 300 gal/h | 265 gal/h |
| Turnover | 3.3x per hour | 2.6x per hour |
| Max head height | 5.9 ft | - |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | 5.6 L | - |
| Pre-filter volume | 0.5 L | - |
| Media baskets | - | 3 |
| 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 | 16 W | 28.5 W |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |