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Penn-Plax Cascade Max Flow Aquarium Canister Filter – Great for Extra Large Fish Tanks – Perfect for 250+ Gallon Aquariums – 820 Gallons per Hour (GPH)

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Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon

Arrives Tuesday, Sep 30
Order within 13 hours and 21 minutes
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Size: CMF1


Style: Cascade Max


Features

  • EXTRA LARGE AQUARIUM, NO PROBLEM: This filter is purposely designed for larger aquariums, ranging from 164 to 273 gallons. Though, optimal size is 205 gallons. Without effort, the Cascade Max Flow Canister Filter intake runs at a stunning flow rate of 820 Gallons per Hour! Its compatible for both freshwater and saltwater setups, and is great for turtle habitats!
  • EASY WAY TO GET A DIRTY JOB DONE: We all know that maintenance on a canister filter can get messy, and honestly, a bit frustrating at times. As for the Cascade Max Flow, theres no need to unscrew tubes! Simply release the external value base from the filters top! Maintenance made easy!
  • COOL AND UNIQUE FEATURES: In addition to a simple and intuitive set up, the Cascade Max Flow Canister Filter is self-priming, and features durable and secure non-slip pads. The two 360 independent valve taps rotate fully, allowing the included large diameter tubes to handle a steady and powerful water flow. Flow rate can be adjusted by the tops handle.
  • CONVENIENT, CUSTOMIZABLE, AND COLOSSAL: Inside the belly of this beast, there are 4 large stackable media baskets / trays, with built-in handles for utmost convenience of handling. While the Cascade Max Flow Canister Filter comes with Bio-Floss Pads and a coarse Bio-Sponge, you can place additional filter media inside to best meet your aquariums demands.
  • THATS ONE BIG FILTER: Overall measurements are 16.15 (W) x 15 (D) x 23.6 (H)
  • ONE OF THE LARGEST FILTERS AVAILABLE: The Cascade Max Flow Canister Filter is ideal for the largest aquariums and tanks - even as large as 250 gallons! Smaller tanks will be kept crystal clear with the Max Flow on the job.

Description

PENN-PLAX presents the Cascade Max Flow Canister Filter. Without effort, this canister filter runs at a stunning 820 Gallons per Hour, and is purposely designed for larger aquariums, ranging from 164 to 273 gallons. Though, optimal size is 205 gallons. It’s compatible for both freshwater and saltwater setups, and is great for turtle habitats! Those little guys sure poop a lot, and everything they touch becomes completely dirty! With this monstrous filter, you don’t have to worry about all that! On the other hand, it’s typical for aquarists to either incorporate multiple filters in their setup, or spend the time and money to customize according to their needs. Coming in to handle a heavy workload, the Cascade Max Flow can meet various needs, and very well go beyond!Easy Way to Get a Dirty Job Done: We all know that maintenance on a canister filter can get messy, and honestly, a bit frustrating at times. As for the Cascade Max Flow, there’s no need to unscrew tubes! Simply release the value base from the filter’s top! Maintenance made easy!Cool and Unique Features: In addition to a simple and intuitive set up, the Cascade Max Flow Canister Filter is self-priming, and features durable and secure non-slip pads. The two 360° independent valve taps rotate fully, allowing the included large diameter tubes to handle a steady and powerful water flow. Flow rate can be adjusted by the top’s handle.Convenient, Customizable, and Colossal: Inside the belly of this beast, there are 4 large stackable media baskets / trays, with built-in handles for utmost convenience of handling. While the Cascade Max Flow Canister Filter comes with Bio-Floss Pads and a coarse Bio-Sponge, you can place additional filter media inside to best meet your aquarium’s demands.That’s One Big Filter: Overall measurements are 16.6” (W) x 15” (D) x 23.6” (H)

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 24.9 x 21.6 x 17.8 inches; 27.8 Pounds


Item model number ‏ : ‎ CMF1


Date First Available ‏ : ‎ January 26, 2021


Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ PENN-PLAX


Best Sellers Rank: #12,390 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies) #749 in Aquarium Filters


#749 in Aquarium Filters:


Customer Reviews: 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 10,314 ratings


Item Weight: 27.7 pounds


Manufacturer: PENN-PLAX


Item model number: CMF1


Date First Available: January 26, 2021


Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 24.9 x 21.6 x 17.8 inches


Brand Name: Penn-Plax


Target Audience Keyword: Fish


Directions: Please read included directions prior to use


Model Name: CMF1


Color: Black


Size: CMF1


Age Range Description: All Life Stages


Style: Cascade Max


Included Components: Max Flow Canister Filter


Specific Uses for Product: Indoor


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Sep 30

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Good filter
Size: Cascade 1000 Style: Cascade-1000
So far, doing a good job. Though I have only had it functioning for 5 days. This is my first time using this type if filter system. I usually use the smaller filters that attach outside the tank onto the rim. I must say I prefer this one as of now. The set up directions are very easy to follow. The pump is quiet so far. Inside the cabinet. I do recommend being very careful with the feed and return hoses. Very easy to cut it too short. The water is clear. It is a new rank so I am cycling it for a couple of weeks before putting fish in. The filter is definitely meeting my needs and would recommend to others. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2025 by Irlis Rapose Irlis Rapose

  • Great Filter for a Turtle
Size: Cascade 1000 Style: Cascade-1000
I have waited about a year after purchasing this to write a review and I am glad that I did. When I first purchased this filter and set it up, I would have given it a 3 star rating due to my own faults. Now that I have cleaned it out and set it back up several times, I absolutely LOVE this filter. 1st it does not need to be manually primed (eeeww) like some other filters out there, which was the main reason I purchased it. 2nd it purrs like a kitten. This filter is VERY quiet, I don't hear it running until I open the stand door and even then I have to listen for it. 3rd It keeps my water crystal clear (which has more to do with the media than the filter, but more on that later) 4th I have had no issues with this filter in the year that I have had it. When I first got this filter and tried to prime it, it didn't fill up right away. It was a pain in the butt. I followed the instructions and I just couldn't get it to work. I almost considered returning it. Other reviews said the same thing. Since then, I have learned a much easier way to get it to run. After I clean it out and put it back together, and all the hoses are connected, I plug the filter in and turn on the valve for the intake hose only. Then I push the prime button 4 to 8 times until I hear the water filling up in the canister at which time I turn the valve for the outtake hose ON. This filter will start filling up on its own and running smoothly immediately. It is so easy. I have been playing around with the types of media I use in this filter and how I pack it. I use this filter in a 55 gallon aquarium for a AST (American snapping turtle) who is a very dirty guy. My aquarium is only half full of water so probably about 25 to 30 gallons of water. I have left over ceramic rings, and instead of tossing them I put a VERY thin layer on the bottom of the canister BEFORE I put the trays in. This keeps most of the muck on the bottom while the cleaner water moves up. I pack the bottom tray with 3 different sponges (coarse, medium and fine on top) the middle try is where I put my coarse media, I found that Matrix Bio Media works better than the white ceramic rings as it is more porous, where the ceramic rings are smooth and don't help keep the water clea. In the top tray I use a mix of Marineland Diamond Blend Ammonia Neutralizing Carbon and Black Diamond Premium Activated Carbon, I also add a cuttel bone to the top tray for added calcium in the water. So far this has worked great for me along with the filter, my turtle tank is crystal clear and I clean it out about once a month. Hope this helps anyone considering purchasing this filter. It is a great price and works great. I would purchase this again in the future. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2016 by Sandy Beach

  • First canister filter experience—why didn’t I discover this before?
Size: Cascade 1000 Style: Cascade-1000
So…1 new 75 gallon tank containing maybe 60 gallons of water, 1 very messy turtle who does get fed in the tank, 1 new Cascade 1000 filter with the included filter media only, and 1 person with no canister filter experience. All I knew was that I was tired of smelly cloudy water in his old 55 gallon tank with a fish tank filter only, and did not want to repeat the experience. Unfortunately, we had to put the turtle in the new tank about 3 days before the filter arrived, so as you can see from the first two ‘before’ pictures, we really put this filter to the test with totally smelly unfiltered water. There was a big difference in 24 hours, but It took about a week to get the awful water to become nicely see-through again, and a couple more days to get rid of most of the pond smell. The water did not get crystal clear until after the first filter change. The first filter media lasted about 3 weeks before the water began to cloud up, so I had to start the new media in slightly cloudy water, which it totally cleared after 3 days. I expect to only change the filter once a month or so now that the water quality is under control. **Update: It was 5 weeks before I decided to change the filter again, and the water was still clear.** When I changed the filter, I rinsed the bag of charcoal and the sponge biofilter in the water that was still in the filter after taking the baskets out. I put the bag of charcoal in the bottom basket again and the sponge biofilter in the top. I put a new bag of charcoal in the middle basket as well as floss in each basket. After reading some other suggestions, I also stuffed a little pillow floss around the top basket. **Update: This turned out to e a very good idea-see the last picture.** I will also probably use bio rings and only one new charcoal bag each change or two as time goes on. As a first-time canister filter user, I looked at all the reviews and pictures and filter media suggestions before deciding to purchase. This was the one that both fit my budget and had great reviews, so I decided to try it. It came with all the filter media in the three baskets in order, and with the shut-off valves put together. (Whew). I had no trouble putting it together, cutting the hoses to length, and priming it. I did discover you need to prime by pushing the button very fast. (After the first filter change, I did not need to prime, the hoses were already full of water, and I had put about an inch in the filter, so when I turned it on, everything started). I have included several pictures of my exterior filter and hose setup. It was difficult for me to find pictures that showed the whole setup in detail. I hope these will be helpful to other beginners. I understand how it works now, but had no idea in the beginning. I hung my hoses off the back of the tank next to the wall. (The top of my tank is 1 ¾ inches from the wall, the glass part is 2 inches from the wall. I cut my hoses to about 40 inches in length. The hoses do touch a bit of the wall, but I could get them off by moving the filter.) I put the filter directly below the tank and have it plugged into a power strip, which makes it easy to turn on and off. I have the filter in a plastic crate because I am paranoid, but have not had any leaks from anywhere in the system. It also makes clean up easier if I spill any water when I unhook the filter. The filter is almost silent after it fills. The ‘waterfall’ from the tube is quite loud, but natural sounding. I used three of the 4 aerator tubes to bring the water farther out into the aquarium. I get some water out of the tube holes, and the rest pours out the end. Turtle seems to enjoy playing in the waterfall. The suction cup holders do a great job holding the waterfall tubes out of the water – see picture, but are not able to hold the intake tube in place. I put 4 on it but destructo-turtle easily pulls the tube out of the holders. It still stays hooked over the side and does not move very much, but I will be glad when I can block it off and get gravel in the bottom to distract him. I am so impressed with this filter, my turtle never had it so good. Five stars isn’t enough. Update** I have had this filter running every day for the last 3+ years. Still nice clear water. I have been using bio-floss in each basket, a bio sponge on the top in the lower basket, activated charcoal on top in the middle basket, and bio-rings on top in the top basket. I still stuff floss down the side of the top basket. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2017 by judy judy

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