PennPlax Cascade Cannister Filters???

[The Baron]

Can I please get some opinions on these canister filters.

I dont want it to be Eheim or FLuval is better, but do they work well
enough and is there any known problems that I should know about?

How about leakage issues?

The pricing seems decent enough, but I havent decided between a couple of
good hob;s or the cannister for a 55.

I;m scared to death of hoses bursting when no one is home all weekend or when power goes out. I know a couple of hobs have the motor submerssed so
no priming is required.

It seems that I say about 40% favour cannisters while the rest are hob;s and sponge/internal, etc..

The bio load would be light for a soon to get 55 as it would be corys, blue rams and some tetras..

Thanks,

Dan

[Cliff]

I've been running a fluval 405 on my 55 gallon for 4 months now, not a single problem. A freind of mine has been using one on her 65 gallon for almost two years with no problems. You shouldn't have to worry about leaks. I would recommend the fluval 405. I don't know anything about the other two canisters that you mentioned.

If you want a HOB filter I would suggest a aquaclear 110. With a light bioload, a 110 would work good. You could always add a second if you decide to add more fish.

[MCHRKiller]

Cascades arent honestly a great filter, they do the job...but do expect some issues along the way. Some people have better luck with them than others, you will hear alot of leaking issues, one person here on the forum had the pump run dry and melt the plastic housing. I ran one for the sole purpose of peat filtration, it wasnt bad...seemed to have a bit of bypass and its flow seemed considerably weaker than comprable other filters. But then others report nothing but success and good luck with them, personally I would have to rate them about a 5-6 out of 10.

For the price, I would suggest a Rena Filstar canister...you can get the XP2 or XP3 online for $85-110
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3602&prodid=6136&catid=113
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3602&prodid=6139&catid=113

[SW Florida Kid]

I have a Penn Plax Cascade 700 Canister. I've had it for 1 month now and it's been fine. My tank is clear as day and it has never leaked. Hopefully I have lick with it in the future. I have it on my 55 gallon tank.

[cichlids209]

I agree with MCHRKiller, And i think the xp3 in the link she provided is a great deal and would be good for your 55 gal

[lowlight]

I don't have any experience with the Cascade filters. The Rena Xp3 for $110 is a great deal. The AC HOB filters are top of the line for HOB according to many who use them. The HOB filters need to have water in them in order for them to start and sometimes the water level in the tank drops to low and the filter won't restart after the power goes out, at least the ones I had were like that. I run a Rena Xp3 on my 55 gal and it restarts on its own if the power goes out, I'm happy with it. I believe it is better to spend a few extra bucks and be safe rather than try to save a few just to have it cost in the long run.

[SW Florida Kid]

Cascades arent honestly a great filter, they do the job...but do expect some issues along the way. Some people have better luck with them than others, you will hear alot of leaking issues, one person here on the forum had the pump run dry and melt the plastic housing. I ran one for the sole purpose of peat filtration, it wasnt bad...seemed to have a bit of bypass and its flow seemed considerably weaker than comprable other filters. But then others report nothing but success and good luck with them, personally I would have to rate them about a 5-6 out of 10.

Should I get rid of my Penn Plax Cascade 700 then?

[sailor]

In my opinion you get what you pay for, There are a lot of reasons they are so much cheaper than other brands. We get a lot of these returned to the store for leakage problems and they just don't do the job as good as the others.

[The Baron]

Thanks for the replies.

I may have to look into the Rena;s then.

Dan

[MCHRKiller]

Should I get rid of my Penn Plax Cascade 700 then?
Not saying you should ditch it if youve already bought it, but I would suggest you start saving pennies to prepare for down the road if it does happen to have some issues. Since youve prepared for the worst to come, the worst probably never will come...and that thing will run for 10 years. Equipment always seems to break down when your least prepared for it to happen.

[SW Florida Kid]

Not saying you should ditch it if youve already bought it, but I would suggest you start saving pennies to prepare for down the road if it does happen to have some issues. Since youve prepared for the worst to come, the worst probably never will come...and that thing will run for 10 years. Equipment always seems to break down when your least prepared for it to happen.


hahaha. true. thanks :)