Search  for anything...

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

  • Based on 10,351 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...
$249.99 Why this price?

Buy Now, Pay Later


As low as $41.67 / mo
  • – 6-month term
  • – No impact on credit
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and PayTomorrow. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Selected Option

Free shipping on this product

30-day refund/replacement

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.


Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Pet Select

Arrives Monday, Mar 16
Order within 16 hours and 57 minutes
Available payment plans shown during checkout

Protection Plan Protect Your Purchase
Checking for protection plans...

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: #84,447 in Pet Supplies (See Top 100 in Pet Supplies) #629 in Aquarium Filters


#629 in Aquarium Filters:


Customer Reviews: 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars (739)


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: Monday, Mar 16

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.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • PayTomorrow Financing
  • Financing through Apple Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Top Amazon Reviews


  • Love this highly recommend doesn’t leak and isn’t that loud.
Size: 115 Gallons Per Hour Style: Cascade 500
Loved this this was my favorite canister filter. A lot of reviews I read mentioned leaking and that it stopped working after awhile. I did not have that experience it never leaked unless I didn’t have the tubing on right or tight enough. And it lasted up until I decided to stop doing aquariums which was a long time. Easy installation if you read the instructions which are just photos but easy to understand. There is a slight noise but it’s not that loud and my aquarium was in my room. The loudest thing I had was the air pump. Works great good quality. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2026 by Amanda Sweet

  • Best filter Ever, hands down
Size: 115 Gallons Per Hour Style: Cascade 500
The media could not be loaded. I’ve been keeping fish and in the aquarium hobby for a little over 3 years. Usually I’m not the kinda person to leave reviews but in this case, I felt compelled to. Of all the filters I’ve used in any set up, I can honestly say this is by far the easiest and most effective filtration system I’ve ever had. In my home, I have 2 mini ponds and 4 glass aquariums, all various sizes and combinations of filters (Hobs, submersible, and sponge filters) and this was my first canister build ever, and I can genuinely say that any tank above 20 gallons that I set up going forward... will only have penn plex canister filters on them. I mean it’s quiet 🤫 I have 2 sponges on seperate air pumps running constantly and the 5 watt air pumps that run those make more noise than the canister filter. There’s no hum or rattle, the only way I can even tell it’s on is by checking the flow outlet to make sure that water is moving. I was able to fit the whole filter in an old water jug, just in case it leaked, it’s been running 2 weeks and not a drop of water leaked anywhere. Instructions are very detailed and if you have any questions or want to see how to set it up, there is enough videos on YouTube to reference. It took me a few hours on a Saturday to set this up and clean my pond before running. Had a small algae bloom in the first few days because the filter had no bacteria, but it’s dissipated in about a week once everything settled. My goldies now have crystal clear water, with great water flow and aeration. The filter can be customized for aquariums or ponds, and comes with a spray bar and directional flow outlet. This allows you to control how fast or slow of a flow you want in your set up, so you can keep all varieties of fish and aquatic plants. This thing is a fish keepers dream, I promise. I payed 55$ for this one and purchased another penn plax 1200 canister for a 55 gallon tank I’m setting up in the next few weeks. If you have any doubts or are on the fence about getting a canister filter, DONT. This filter is worth every penny and will absolutely allow you to kick back and enjoy your aquariums. This filter has easily cut my maintenance in half for my goldies. Penn Plax, amazing filter, keep up the great work 🗣 ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2021 by richard u.

  • Works Great in My Axolotl Tank!!
Size: 115 Gallons Per Hour Style: Cascade 500
I bought the Cascade 500 for a 20 gallon axolotl (Mexican Salamander) tank. After fighting with a 10 gallon tank with different hang-on-back filters, I figured I'd go all out on the new home for the little guy. I knew I wanted a canister filter, but I wanted one that was a bit smaller. I stumbled across the Penn Plax Cascade 500 here on Amazon while browsing one night. It looked like it was going to fit my needs pretty well. I ordered it straight away. It arrived quickly from Amazon, and upon inspection even this small canister was larger than I anticipated. That's not a bad thing, I just was expecting it to be a bit smaller. All of the parts were in the box, and I like that it gives you an option of running a spray bar or a more directional nozzle. It was easy to assemble and get installed in the aquarium. I chose to go with the spray bar, using about as many of the parts as possible to make sure I was going to have the lowest possible flow because the axolotl prefers more still water. Once I got it set up, I followed the instructions for priming the filter and getting it started. It took about 15 presses of the button to get the canister filled with water, then as soon as it was plugged in it started working. Within about two hours I could no longer hear any air so I believe the system had purged all of the air out of it. The flow is nice and low with the included spray bar, and the filter seems to be working excellently. The trays for getting the media into the filter are nice...it makes it very easy to remove them in order to get at the media and rinse it out or replace it. I also wanted to comment on Penn Plax's customer service. I was unsure of how exactly to adjust the flow on the machine...I understood how to use the shut off valves to control the water flow, but what I didn't know was exactly how to control JUST the flow...for instance, if I wanted half the total output to be going through the system, I didn't know if I should turn the input to 50%, the output to 50%, or both to 50%. I placed an e-mail to Penn Plax and within two business days I got a response letting me know that I should ONLY be adjusting the output, and that the input should always be fully open unless I was going to be removing the filter. Overall, I really like this filter and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Very nice product at a very nice price. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2016 by Jeff

  • Garbage materials
Size: 115 Gallons Per Hour Style: Cascade 500
I don’t understand how this filter has such great reviews. I ordered the 500 for my 15 gallon nano reef. First of all it arrived broken. Nothing that prevented it from being set up, but that shows how cheap and brittle the plastic is. Now that’s probably a combination of poor material quality and terrible handling by shipping. Pros: Adjustable flow valves Easy prime button Large media baskets Optional spray bar or flow nozzle Cons: INCREDIBLY CHEAP PLASTIC Noisy, don’t get me wrong it’s not something that gets on my nerves, but you definitely hear it. It’s absolutely not quiet as advertised. Water bypasses media baskets. Cheap brittle plastic parts. Flimsy mounting And I don’t know what kind of plastic they use but it smells absolutely horrible. It smells like a chemical factory. I would love to give this a higher review. The filter does work, but the parts are absolute garbage. Save your money and buy a fluval. I bought this because it was cheaper than buying replacement parts for my fluval, but it’s true what they say you get what you pay for. I hate how the fluval primer handles break, they should use a metal handle, but the overall materials are 30x stronger than this cheap trash. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2020 by Austin F.

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.
Checking for best price...