OASE BioMaster 2 600
#4 in Over 150 galFull review
A media-heavy filter for tanks up to 160 gallons, for owners who value biological capacity over raw flow.
Amazon $334.99$334.99
The OASE BioMaster 2 600 rates 3.3 among over 150 gal aquarium canister filters; the Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 rates 2.8 among 76 to 150 gal ones. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 costs $141.98 less ($193.01 vs $334.99).
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 1200
#6 in 76 to 150 galFull review
A cheap high-capacity canister for tanks up to 150 gallons, at the cost of high power draw.
Amazon $193.01$193.01
Scores side by side
These two sit in different tank size classes (over 150 gal and 76 to 150 gal), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own tank size peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | OASE BioMaster 2 600 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 59 $2.09 per rated gallon ($334.99, up to 160 gal) | 86 $1.29 per rated gallon ($193.01, up to 150 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 50 6.8 L of media, 0.4 L per 10 rated gal | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 20 350 gal/h for up to 160 gal, 2.2x per hour | 17 315 gal/h for up to 150 gal, 2.1x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 58 15.2 gal/h per watt (23 W) | 6 6.9 gal/h per watt (45.5 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 2 600 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 160 gal | Up to 150 gal |
| Pump output | 350 gal/h | 315 gal/h |
| Turnover | 2.2x per hour | 2.1x per hour |
| Max head height | 6.6 ft | - |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | 6.8 L | - |
| Pre-filter volume | 0.6 L | - |
| Media baskets | - | 4 |
| 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 | 23 W | 45.5 W |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |