SunSun HW-304B
#3 in 76 to 150 galFull review
A cheap high-flow canister with a UV light built in, for owners fighting algae who accept sparse published specs.
Amazon $167.49$167.49
The SunSun HW-304B is the better aquarium canister filter overall, rated 3.0 to 2.8. The SunSun HW-304B leads on turnover. The Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 wins on features. The SunSun HW-304B costs $25.52 less ($167.49 vs $193.01).
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
Which should you buy?
- Choose the SunSun HW-304B for turnover (525 gal/h for up to 150 gal, 3.5x per hour vs 315 gal/h for up to 150 gal, 2.1x per hour).
- Choose the Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 for features (priming button or self-priming, shutoff valves, adjustable flow vs built-in UV, heater or water-change valve).
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 | SunSun HW-304B | Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.0/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 94 $1.12 per rated gallon ($167.49, up to 150 gal) | 86 $1.29 per rated gallon ($193.01, up to 150 gal) |
| Media volume 20% | 0 media volume not published, scored as none | 0 media volume not published, scored as none |
| Turnover 20% | 57 525 gal/h for up to 150 gal, 3.5x per hour | 17 315 gal/h for up to 150 gal, 2.1x per hour |
| Efficiency 10% | 50 power draw not published (neutral score used) | 6 6.9 gal/h per watt (45.5 W) |
| Features 15% | 15 built-in UV, heater or water-change valve | 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
| SunSun HW-304B | Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Rated aquarium | Up to 150 gal | Up to 150 gal |
| Pump output | 525 gal/h | 315 gal/h |
| Turnover | 3.5x per hour | 2.1x per hour |
| Media | ||
| Media baskets | - | 4 |
| Features | ||
| Primer | - | Yes |
| Shutoff valves | - | Yes |
| Separate pre-filter | - | No |
| Adjustable flow | - | Yes |
| Built-in UV | Yes | No |
| Built-in heater | - | No |
| Water-change valve | - | No |
| Power and build | ||
| Power draw | - | 45.5 W |