OASE BioMaster 2 850
#5 in Over 150 galFull review
The most media in one canister here. On tanks near 225 gallons, add a powerhead for flow.
Amazon $379.99$379.99
The OASE BioMaster 2 850 is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 3.3 to 2.7. The OASE BioMaster 2 850 leads on efficiency and features. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 wins on value. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 costs $114.99 less ($265 vs $379.99).
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 OASE BioMaster 2 850 for efficiency (16 gal/h per watt (25 W) vs 7.7 gal/h per watt (45.5 W)) 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 1500 for value ($1.32 per rated gallon ($265, up to 200 gal) vs $1.69 per rated gallon ($379.99, up to 225 gal)).
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 | OASE BioMaster 2 850 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 71 $1.69 per rated gallon ($379.99, up to 225 gal) | 84 $1.32 per rated gallon ($265, up to 200 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 37 8 L of media, 0.4 L per 10 rated gal | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 8 400 gal/h for up to 225 gal, 1.8x per hour | 7 350 gal/h for up to 200 gal, 1.8x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 62 16 gal/h per watt (25 W) | 11 7.7 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 2 850 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 225 gal | Up to 200 gal |
| Pump output | 400 gal/h | 350 gal/h |
| Turnover | 1.8x per hour | 1.8x per hour |
| Max head height | 7.4 ft | - |
| Media | ||
| Media volume | 8 L | - |
| Pre-filter volume | 0.7 L | - |
| Media baskets | - | 5 |
| 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 | 25 W | 45.5 W |
| Warranty | 3 years | - |