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
The Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 rates 2.8 among 76 to 150 gal aquarium canister filters; the Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 rates 2.7 among over 150 gal ones. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 costs $71.99 less ($193.01 vs $265).
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
Scores side by side
These two sit in different tank size classes (76 to 150 gal and over 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 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.8/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 86 $1.29 per rated gallon ($193.01, up to 150 gal) | 84 $1.32 per rated gallon ($265, up to 200 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 0 media volume not published, scored as none | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 17 315 gal/h for up to 150 gal, 2.1x per hour | 7 350 gal/h for up to 200 gal, 1.8x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 6 6.9 gal/h per watt (45.5 W) | 11 7.7 gal/h per watt (45.5 W) |
| Features 15% | 70 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow | 70 priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow |
| Warranty 10% | 0 warranty not published, scored as none | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 | Penn-Plax Cascade 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 150 gal | Up to 200 gal |
| Pump output | 315 gal/h | 350 gal/h |
| Turnover | 2.1x per hour | 1.8x per hour |
| Media | ||
| Media baskets | 4 | 5 |
| Features | ||
| Primer | Yes | Yes |
| Shutoff valves | Yes | Yes |
| Separate pre-filter | No | 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 | 45.5 W | 45.5 W |