Penn-Plax Cascade 200 Power Filter – Hang-On Filter with Quad Filtration – Great for Freshwater and Saltwater Setups

After researching a number of different filters for my 20-gallon gourami tank, I decided to give this one a try. It is designed with function in mind, including an adequate system of bio-filtration and flow control. Flow control, though simple in design, is a nice feature to have that is sadly lacking on many HOB filters. This feature was important to me as gouramis are labyrinth fish who prefer slow-moving water, and I wanted the ability to adjust the flow, if necessary. One reason I hesitated to invest in this filter is that, although the filter itself is very reasonably priced, the replacement filter cartridges are somewhat expensive. Fortunately, the size of the intake tube is just right to use one of these pre-filters: Pre-Filter Sponge 3 Pack for Fluval Edge Aquarium This increases the biological filtration even more while filtering small particles before they ever enter the filter itself. I simply rinse the pre-filter in aquarium water ever two weeks or so and replace the filter cartridge once a month, since activated carbon expires monthly. Rinsing the pre-filter is an easy step, since this has an extendable intake tube, making it easy to detach the endpiece from the filter itself without having to actually pull the sponge off the intake every time. The filter even continues to run while I do this, as long as the end of the intake is submersed. As an added bonus, my flower shrimp loves to eat the particles of food that collect on the sponge, and as a filter feeder, she enjoys the luxury of hanging on the intake to make use of the flow without the danger of being harmed by the filter intake. Meanwhile, between some tinkering with the flow control and the addition of the sponge, the flow itself is weak enough to not upset my male/female pair of gouramis, who are able to blow bubble nests and engage in spawning behavior. Even though this is only a 20-gallon tank, the flower shrimp, clown pleco and mystery snails have their own space, and the gouramis have theirs. Having a sponge pre-filter and flow control also benefits the live plants in my tank, especially the java fern, which proliferates easily and abundantly, but often can be damaged by filter intakes when the young ferns float about the tank before finding a piece of driftwood or other material where they can grow. In terms of reliability, I have run this filter steadily for four months as of the writing of this review, and, used in conjunction with some additional sponge filters, this has proven itself to be reliable. It is self-priming and consistently restarts automatically following a power outage. It even runs steadily during a partial water change, and the 'Bio-Falls' system seems to provide additional aeration for the water, which is important not only for providing oxygen for my water-breathing creatures, but helps remove toxic substances, which benefits all of the creatures in my tank, including the air-breathing gouramis. To conclude, I will provide a brief list of pros and cons: PROS: 1. It is inexpensive 2. It is effective in terms of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration 3. It is reliable and self-priming 4. It fits the inexpensive Fluval sponge pre-filters 5. It has flow control CONS: 1. Replacement cartridges are not easily found in stores 2. Replacement cartridges are expensive (but this can be easily addressed by using an inexpensive sponge pre-filter, extending the cartridge life to at least a full month)

Doing well so far. It is super quiet and the inserts that came with it dont seem cheap to me like the other reviews suggest. Maybe they changed them since idk. I ordered the 55 gallon one and its doing great! Edit Sept 2 Yeah. The inserts dont seem to rinse clean as well as my aqueon one and don't last as long either. Water is getting yellowish quickly after rinsing the inserts (and adding the extra sponge for thickness mentioned in other reviews). Ill see how long refills last. I might just purchase the replacement motor piece for my Aqueon... As I can rinse that insert once a month and several times. Oh, and when putting this on the high flow setting, water is leaking out of places that it shouldn't... Lowering the flow seems to stop this, but then whats the point of having the settings? Lol

First one quit working after a day. The other two both came with broken parts, the thing that keeps it level or away from the tank. Both purchased at different times, both prime, not sure the vendors. Quick fix, just added a suction cup next to the part and the loop for airhose does the same thing, the other I put a little pad. Needed filter didn't want to wait. They are very quiet, have it right next to my bed and don't even hear water falling (water level high). Using it for a 40 gallon tank. Have to touch it to see if it's running. Filter runs great, can see the suction. Put squeaker (leak detector) under it, last filter leaked. It's very easy to set up, seems strong, quiet. I like it. The only downside is that it does not cause enough (hardly any) surface movement. I have two on a 55g, one on each end and added a bubble wall in the middle, just to have some surface movement. Second one is on my 20 gallon long, with a sponge filter. There is a humming/vibration noise to this one, only noticeable because it's also next to my bed. So far not too bad. Cheaply built, most problems can be fixed by taking it apart and starting over. If you have the money, go for an Aquaclear filter. If not, this seems to be a decent filter. I'm sure if you keep sending them back you should be able to find one without broken components. Get a feeding station if you have floating plants, blocks output perfectly.

For the price...this filter seems to be a winner. It was very simple to attach the motor to the intake following the instruction sheet included in the box. It is very quiet. I can't even really hear it humming along at all. The one I was replacing was so loud you couldn't think to yourself over the noise. The water flow is smooth and I really like being able to adjust the flow. The openings on the intake might be a little large for the smallest of fish, so that might need to be a consideration. I currently have 4 zebra-striped danios in mine while I cycle the tank and they seem to do fine with it. I have the intake set about mid-way. The 3-layer filtration seems that it will do a good job. I'll know more once the tank is fully cycled and the remaining fish added. I currently have the carbon filter removed while I build the good bacteria on the 2 levels of biological filtration. As others have suggested, after cycling, a weekly rinse of the sponge should be good.

Ok so I went and brought the cascade 200 online for my 55 gallon tank. Only because my old filter is too old and doesn't have enough power to run my tank. I been cleaning out my tank every two weeks to every months. This new filter hasn't made the much needed changes to help keep my tank clean. Here are some problems that I have with this filter. 1. The filter is made out of a very breakable blue plastic while my old one is made out of a very hard nonbreakable black plastic. 2. The tube extension is way too small and come off too easily. For a filter being made for a 55 gallon tank it should look like it was made for a 55 gallon tank. 3. The design of the cascade 200 is way too small. I've readed the box and it said for aquariums up to 50/190 gallons/liters. Really? Also it doesn't even fit securly on my tank's legde. It like it was made for ten gallon tank instead but I've readed the box but did the maker read it. 4. The high and low setting on the flow control is unnecessary. You only need high just high setting. Giving a comparison to my old filter with this new cascade filter, my old filter is still better. I've gave this product one star because of the very fast delivery service. You're better off buying your filters from Walmart where you can buy a cheap and well made power filter then buying it online very expension but very cheaply made.

I upgraded from a Casdcade 150 that was perfect for years until the motor failed. Thought I would upgrade to the 200. Fired it up and it was a little noisy, checked impeller and seemed ok. Pumped a lot of water! Matter of fact too much.. it overflows back to the tank around the pick up tube on high. Had to remove the second filter and leave it on roughly 50% flow to keep all the water flowing through filter. I purchased this in September and now the noise is terrible. I have cleaned several times but this time I pulled the impeller apart and the shaft is heavily scored. I am now using the impeller from the 150 that died and it’s a little better but still loud. I have put a service request into Penn-Plax and will adjust rating based on the results. UPDATE: 12-11-25 Penn Plax finally replied and after spending $10 for them to ship me a new one, it is now nice and quiet. I do like this filter but spending another $10 for a warranty replacement? Very disapointed with the customer care... upgraded to 3 stars from 1, customer service is important!

I have many different type of filtration.... sump, hang on the bag, sponge.... this filter (I have 2 sizes), just great, high flow and silence. Plus = re-start, most of the time, if the pump shut-down. Now, I advice few modification. From the in-take add a foam/sponge, inside the filter tank, do not used the provided equipment, use foam/sponge and add ceramic rings (or equivalent). Nothing will compete with this hang-on the back filter. The aqua clear is nice too (I have QTY 3), same principle but will not re-start in case the pump stop. Please remember = for best result, oversize your filter. If you have a 20 gallons, use the next size hang-on the back (30 to 40 gallons capacity). This is true for all filters. You will never be sorry for this advice. Why = Because, you can stock your tank as much as you want, add any plants, and never be worry about it. Also, do not neglect your filter, clean it (just be careful with your media not to kill your bacteria). Enjoy.

Quite easy to set up, keeps the tank clean

silenciosos y funcionales

This filter works really well. My only issue with it is the intake tube is not long enough, I have a tall 37 gallon tank and it doesn’t even go half way down.

Self priming, quiet, good filter.

Un producto completo, no usé el carbón activado y lo sustitui por matrix y esponjas; caben lo suficiente para tener microorganismos benéficos. El material se siente resistente. Lo volvería a comprar

tengo el acuaclear 50 en mi pecera de 40 Galones pensaba conprqr otro acuaclear y descubrí este filtro que según reseñas americanas dicen que funciona muy bien y a mitad de precio del acuaclear 50 que es una marca líder de filtros de cascada , el penn plax 200 apenas lo estoy ciclándo para poner una pecera de 20 o probablemente 30 galones maximo