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Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter (1500 Elite)

  • Based on 239 reviews
Condition: New
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Features

  • $259 Value. Cascade Black Elite filter kit for aquariums up to 200 gallons.
  • Pumps 350 gallons per hour. Quick easy push button self-primer. Flow rate cut-off valves adjust water flow.
  • Includes filter, (1) Bio-Sponge, (1) Bio-Floss 6pk, (1) Pro-Carb 2pk, (1) Bio Rings 10oz and (1) Large Magna Sweep algae magnet.
  • Be up and running in minutes. Nothing else to purchase. It is all included.
  • Quick and easy monthly maintenance saves you time and aggravation.

Description

Cascade Canister Filters from Penn Plax offer heavy-duty multi-stage external filtration for your fresh or saltwater aquarium. The Cascade 1200 Canister Filter can handle aquariums up to 150 gallons efficiently providing up to 315 gph of flow. These filters allow you to combine the benefits of several types of media delivering powerful mechanical, chemical & biological filtration for crystal clear water in fresh or marine environments. Easy to install, these filters come with all the necessary accessories to connect to your tank and begin filtering in approximately 30 minutes and see visible improvement in less than a day! A quick push-button primer makes start-ups easy and the two independent directional 360-degree rotational valve taps make placement worry- free. Flow-rate control valves and swimming pool-style hose clamps make setup and adjustment easy. The popular cobalt blue color will look attractive next to your tank and the sturdy rubber mounted tip-proof rubber base keeps the unit in place. Each pump comes with large filter trays, start-up filter media & input/output tubing. The large filter trays mean you can use more media and have longer periods between replacement. An air-tight seal assures proper flow rate while maintain ultra-quiet operation. The easy-lift clamps make it simple to release the vacuum and remove the top for changing media or other maintenance. Directional returns help to suspend waste matter so it can be taken in by the filter leaving nothing but clear, clear water. Use any combination of media including bio-floss, bio-sponges, activated carbon and others to accomplish a wide array of aquarium filtration needs.

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : β€Ž No


Product Dimensions ‏ : β€Ž 11.81 x 11.81 x 20.47 inches; 15.98 Pounds


Item model number ‏ : β€Ž CCF5BMK


Date First Available ‏ : β€Ž December 12, 2016


Manufacturer ‏ : β€Ž Penn-Plax


Best Sellers Rank: #238,347 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies) #3,454 in Aquarium Filter Accessories


#3,454 in Aquarium Filter Accessories:


Customer Reviews: 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 239 ratings


Item Weight: 15.95 pounds


Manufacturer: Penn-Plax


Item model number: CCF5BMK


Date First Available: December 12, 2016


Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 27.6 x 13.1 x 12.5 inches


Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11.81 x 11.81 x 20.47 inches


Item Weight: 7.25 Kilograms


Brand Name: Penn-Plax


Color: Black/Blue


Size: 1500 Elite


Frequently asked questions

The Cascade 1500 Elite Canister Filter is designed to handle aquariums up to 200 gallons. It has a flow rate of 350 gallons per hour.

The Cascade 1500 Elite provides exceptional 3-stage filtration, ensuring your aquatic environment is clear, healthy and well-balanced. Its 'elite' status is due to a number of added features including Bio-Floss, Bio-Sponges, and a high-quality Activated Carbon Pouch within the package. It also has easy-to-use push button primer and two independent directional 360 degree rotating valve taps.

Yes, the Cascade 1500 Elite is engineered for quiet operation while providing maximum flow of water hence it should not cause any significant noise disturbance when in operation.

The maintenance schedule can depend on the size of your tank and the number of fish, but usually, a monthly cleaning is sufficient. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and the longevity of the unit.

Top Amazon Reviews

πŸš€ Abunda's Overview

This is our summary and key points to consider based on customer reviews.


The Cascade Canister Filters are praised for their effectiveness in keeping tanks clean and for their durability, particularly with more active or messy aquatic creatures like turtles. The product is commended for its efficiency in large tanks as well. However, users suggest learning how to set up the tank for specific species and conditioning the filter to function properly with the right amount of water and medium. Some reviews mentioned issues with noise and the priming button, though these seem to lessen over time.

Pros

  • 🐟 Effective in keeping tanks clean
  • 🐠 Quite durable, able to withstand active creatures
  • 🐑 Efficient for large aquariums
  • 🌊 Can be conditioned to function properly with right water level and medium

Cons

  • πŸ”Š Can be noisy initially
  • ⏳ Priming button issues reported
  • βš™οΈ Setup and maintenance may be tricky
  • πŸ’° Some users experienced issues with incorrect product versions delivered

Should I Buy It?

Yes, the Cascade Canister Filters are a good purchase especially if you have a large tank or active, messy creatures. The minor issues such as noise and priming seem to decrease with time and usage. Make sure to learn about the specific setup and maintenance requirements for your tank for the filter to function effectively.


  • Recommend
So a fair number of negative reviews had me concerned. My Fluval 306 (55 Gal tank) started leaking and a new seal didn't fix. So I have 4-5 years experience. I wanted the most trays and lowest cost = value. This model likely overkill for a 55 Gal but I like it. Pros: Cost, 5 trays, a lot of extra media, detailed instructions and was easy to set up, I like the flow bar a lot Cons: Louder than my 306 but acceptable, The box came pretty beat up but the inside box was ok, I was worried when I couldn't get flow and had to give it a pump or two when started to get it going (I filled cannister first but it may not have drained/filled completely). A lot of floss media If you have a dirty tank I can see it clogging up quickly but as I said there is other provided media. Conclusion: Recommend: Great Value, read directions! and check your media after 2-4 weeks if you use the floss. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020 by amgiSsnommiS

  • Fantastic filter! Best value for a canister filter!
I've had the Cascade 1500 running for nearly a year now, and it's fantastic. It does the job, and it does the job well. I've since inherited two other Cascade 1000's, and they're just as fantastic. I've added a bunch of other filter media (Seachem Matrix, Purigen, other filter floss, etc...), and it is great. I've found that you can double up the filter media in each tray- it fits a lot of filter media, and it has great flow. I love using the spray bar for the output. I have it sitting underward and half pointing upward and half pointing into the tank. That creates some great surface agitation and great flow in the tank to help flush out any detritus. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2021 by Scott 'n' Ash

  • Good product but flimsy handle
Nice filter for the money. The only complaint is this is a big filter and somewhat heavy. The carrying handle seems a little flimsy. I don't know if I'd trust it to carry the filter through my house to my sink to wash out.
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2019 by Russell Haston

  • Do NOT buy this - updated 8/31 & still probably wouldn't advise it
8-31 An update. After posting the first review, we found one more thing to try. We tried it and discovered the intake piece was leaking. It's a solid piece so there was a defect in the plastic. We didn't see this before because that part was always in the water, and the final attempt to get it working had it temporarily out of the water. It was the weekend and so no customer service available. Monday the CS rep said she would send a new intake and it would arrive in 2-3 days. Day 3 was a Thursday and no replacement. Emailed the CS on Friday. She sent a tracking number. The tracking number showed nothing except that a number had been generated. Email back to CS. No response, and by then it was the weekend again. No response to another email, but the replacement did arrive last night. It works, and to be fair, it started with minimal priming. We'll keep it a few days to see if it's as great as some say, but so far, the water is still murky. We're probably going to have to do a water replacement, the second one since this started. The outlet is loud. Overall, I'm still not happy with this product. Original review below The canister would never fill. We looked up troubleshooting tips for priming and tried them. We taped the connector piece of the intake to prevent air leakage. We did the "foolproof" method of sucking on the outtake to get the flow going. We adjusted the tubing. We emptied the aquarium and lifted so it would be 8" higher. We've worked on this for two days. Nothing is working. Returning it. More than disappointing. Save your self the headache and go with another brand. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022 by AMM1206

  • Here are some tips if your having trouble with Filter!!
I have had this filter for five months and had some ups and down. It is good to look up how to setup your tank for you specific species either fish or turtles. I have two turtles that are swimmers and I found this filter can not be used with half full tank it needs to be almost full for it to filter and function correctly . ALSO you need to correct medium for the job look on Youtube for different setups for fish finding setup up for turtles had to search Google for correct filter setup and correct medium(filters) for my tank. SO after you have run filter and need to change the medium this way worked loading the filter with medium can be tricky because it effects how your filter is primed to run the water . 1) shut valves on supply and return lines off and remove hoses.take whole filter into kitchen sink (you will need the room) make sure you have bucket under when removing hoses 2) remove top let it drain in sink 3) Remove all baskets from filter and throw away the floss filter and wash the course filters and carbon filters. 4) the floss filters get real nasty sometimes usually first time around . 5) look up your setup on youtube (size of tank what kind of fish or turtles so-on_ 6 ) replace filter medium in order described on youtube. 7) here is the key fill canaster to above top grate and replace top pump 8) Hold primer button down and add water to inlet hose which is the blue one I believe until water flow comes out of outlet connection. 9) hook hose connection to pump and plug in you will need to pump primer button until you get good flow coming out steady stop then start again if it slows till you get a good flow. This works the best for me and less time cosuming I have tried forcing water up inlet pipe priming like a mad man on the primer button all took tones of work to do except mentioned. Very good product would recommend and make sure you look up your medium setup on Youtube or google . Good Luck ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2018 by Mrcrowley

  • It works great for turtles
It is pretty loud when the water is being jetted back into the tank with either setting i wish it came with an extension to put it underwater for my turtles. They don’t need xtra oxygen in the water so the noise is unnecessary. The filtration is great for both my red eared sliders but the noise of the water is quite annoying. I took the end off of the waterfall setting used part of the hose that I cut off to put I back into the water making it much quieter! Great product all around I wish it had a setting to put the water back into the water when people don’t need airration. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2019 by Cheyenne Austin

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