--- product_id: 19267122 title: "Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons" brand: "penn-plax" price: "119489 som" currency: KGS in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Penn Plax" url: https://www.desertcart.kg/products/19267122-penn-plax-cascade-1200-canister-filter-315-gph-for-tanks store_origin: KG region: Kyrgyzstan --- # 315 GPH powerful flow 360° rotating valve taps 4 customizable filtration baskets Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons **Brand:** penn-plax **Price:** 119489 som **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 💧 Elevate your aquarium game with unstoppable clarity and control! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons by penn-plax - **How much does it cost?** 119489 som with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.kg](https://www.desertcart.kg/products/19267122-penn-plax-cascade-1200-canister-filter-315-gph-for-tanks) ## Best For - penn-plax enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted penn-plax brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **All-Inclusive Setup:** Comes fully loaded with spray bar, hose clamps, and tip-proof base for a compact, professional-grade filtration system. - • **Effortless Maintenance:** Push-button primer and dual 360° valves make startup and flow control seamless—even in tight spaces. - • **Tailor-Made Filtration:** Four stackable baskets with bio-sponge, carbon, and floss pads let you customize your tank’s cleanliness like a pro. - • **Crystal-Clear Water, Every Time:** Delivers a robust 315 gallons per hour flow to keep tanks up to 150 gallons pristine and vibrant. - • **Trusted Legacy, Proven Performance:** Backed by 60+ years of Penn-Plax innovation, ensuring reliability and aquatic health you can count on. ## Overview The Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter offers a powerful 315 GPH flow rate designed for tanks up to 150 gallons. Featuring four customizable filtration baskets with bio-sponge, activated carbon, and poly fiber pads, it ensures superior water clarity for freshwater, saltwater, and turtle habitats. Its user-friendly design includes a push-button primer and 360° rotating valves for easy startup and precise flow control, all housed in a compact, durable unit backed by over 60 years of Penn-Plax expertise. ## Description desertcart.com : Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons | Aquarium Filter - 360 Degree Flow Valves, Poly Fiber Pads, Bio-Sponge & Activated Carbon -Fresh & Saltwater -11.5x11x20.5in : Aquarium Filters : Pet Supplies Review: First canister filter experience—why didn’t I discover this before? - 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. Review: Well Made for the Price (lower than premium brands), Efficient and Reliable - 2026 UPDATE: I have used this filter now for 13 YEARS for beautiful, but messy exotic goldfish and it still is running well. It is very well made and I think I’ve only had to replace one fairly inexpensive part in 10 years. The only time it leaked is when I put together the hose connectors incorrectly after changing the filter media, so it was not the fault to the product, but me the user. The only addition I might suggest is adding a shielded/covered low voltage underwater sterilizing light inside the water of the tank within proximity to the filter intake. This has dramatically helped me eliminate algae and cloudy water. 2013 REVIEW: I have medium -sized to large exotic goldfish which are hardy, brightly colored and beautiful, but they are generally much messier than tropical fish and they can dirty my 40 gallon show tank's aquarium fairly rapidly. Ideally partial water changes for large goldfish aquariums should be every 2 weeks and filter maintenance every 3-4 months. I had been using a hang-on-the-back type filter, but had to replace the filter material constantly and the motor was getting progressively noisier and noisier and being in my bedroom it got to the point where I almost could not sleep it was so loud. So I started looking into canisters and they seemed to work much more quietly and efficiently as well as requiring only moderate maintenance. I compared this the Cascade 1000's features with other more highly recommended canister type filters such as Eheim and they seemed comparable, but Penn-Plax's price on desertcart was almost half the price of some of its higher end competitors--especially in comparison to independent fish stores and chains such as Petco or Petsmart. But I am a frugal, read other customers reviews and didn't want to through extra money out the window, so went ahead and bought this filter nearly 8 years ago and its still humming along wonderfully and quietly. My ONLY complaint is that the instructions are very basic and not as detailed as they could be. And the replacement or assembly of some of the smaller or specialty parts are not clearly explained. I was cleaning my unit and removing the motor housing and a large rectangular gasket just popped out that I didn't recall seeing before because it had been installed when I first bought the unit. I then went online and watched several "how to" videos, but they were all basic and mainly covered dismantling the filter compartments. One did show replacing the motor impeller unit which was helpful and while we are on that subject the little gasket seal for the impeller units are now almost impossible to find. They generally will last for a few years, but still, you want to be able to buy a replacement rather than replace the entire filter. I finally found online aquarium supplies seller that had an one left from older stock--since to my knowledge Penn Plex does not show them in their online parts catalog anymore and you cannot buy them at retail pet or aquarium stores, so I bought that remaining one right away (they do sell all the other parts, but not the darn O ring which if you don't have it won't work. But I still would highly recommend this filter and I also like its transparent blue plastic housing because you can see the water and filter components through the housing. It is the only canister filter I am aware of that is see through. ## Features - Sparkling Water Made Simple - This Aquarium canister filter delivers 315 GPH to maintain clear, circulating water in tanks up to 150 gallons. Ideal for freshwater, saltwater, and turtle habitats, it supports consistent movement throughout the tank while operating with smooth, reliable performance. - Custom Filtration Control: Four large stackable baskets with built-in handles allow hobbyists to tailor aquarium filtration using included floss pads, bio-sponge, and carbon. This layered system helps capture debris, manage discoloration, and support a cleaner aquatic environment. - Easy Upkeep, Every Time - Designed as an External Aquarium Filter with a push button primer for quick startup and dual 360° rotating valve taps, it allows easy maneuvering and controlled flow adjustment - even inside tight aquarium cabinets where space is limited. - Complete System, Compact Fit - The Penn-Plax cascade filter includes 4 Poly Fiber Floss Pads, 1 Coarse Bio-Sponge, 1 Activated Carbon bag, spray bar for surface movement, hose clamps, alignment clamps, and a sturdy tip-proof base. Measures 11.5" W x 11" D x 20.5" H; 110V, 60Hz, 45.5W. - Penn-Plax Legacy - With over 60 years of innovation, Penn-Plax creates expertly crafted, dependable pet products designed to enrich habitats, inspire creativity, and promote the health and happiness of pets everywhere ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B0002DJ9OS | | Best Sellers Rank | #18,319 in Pet Supplies ( See Top 100 in Pet Supplies ) #144 in Aquarium Filter Accessories | | Brand | Penn-Plax | | Brand Name | Penn-Plax | | Capacity | 150 gallons | | Container Type | Bag | | Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 10,356 Reviews | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00030172015953 | | Included Components | All Inclusive - see details! | | Installation Type | Freestanding | | Item Dimensions L x W x H | 11.5"L x 11"W x 20.5"H | | Item Highlight | Aquarium Filter - 360 Degree Flow Valves, Poly Fiber Pads, Bio-Sponge & Activated Carbon -Fresh & Saltwater -11.5x11x20.5in | | Item Type Name | Aquarium Canister Filter | | Item Weight | 16 ounces | | Manufacturer | Penn Plax | | Material | Plastic | | Material Type | Plastic | | Model Name | CCF4UL | | Model Number | CCF4UL | | Number of Items | 1 | | Package Information | Bag | | Part Number | CCF4UL | | Product Dimensions | 11.5"L x 11"W x 20.5"H | | Purification Method | Activated Carbon | | UPC | 030172015953 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | | Upper Temperature Rating | 360 °F | | Warranty Description | Amazon Policy | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Penn-Plax - **Capacity:** 150 gallons - **Included Components:** All Inclusive - see details! - **Installation Type:** Freestanding - **Item Weight:** 16 ounces - **Material:** Plastic - **Model Name:** CCF4UL - **Package Information:** Bag - **Product Dimensions:** 11.5"L x 11"W x 20.5"H - **Purification Method:** Activated Carbon ## Images ![Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71yMfKYSLKL.jpg) ![Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/810rzAkEHGL.jpg) ![Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91-aQtjeC-L.jpg) ![Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tCW9S2DUL.jpg) ![Penn-Plax Cascade 1200 Canister Filter, 315 GPH for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81FwP71W-DL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Pattern, Size** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ First canister filter experience—why didn’t I discover this before? *by J***Y on August 4, 2017* 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well Made for the Price (lower than premium brands), Efficient and Reliable *by J***O on March 1, 2019* 2026 UPDATE: I have used this filter now for 13 YEARS for beautiful, but messy exotic goldfish and it still is running well. It is very well made and I think I’ve only had to replace one fairly inexpensive part in 10 years. The only time it leaked is when I put together the hose connectors incorrectly after changing the filter media, so it was not the fault to the product, but me the user. The only addition I might suggest is adding a shielded/covered low voltage underwater sterilizing light inside the water of the tank within proximity to the filter intake. This has dramatically helped me eliminate algae and cloudy water. 2013 REVIEW: I have medium -sized to large exotic goldfish which are hardy, brightly colored and beautiful, but they are generally much messier than tropical fish and they can dirty my 40 gallon show tank's aquarium fairly rapidly. Ideally partial water changes for large goldfish aquariums should be every 2 weeks and filter maintenance every 3-4 months. I had been using a hang-on-the-back type filter, but had to replace the filter material constantly and the motor was getting progressively noisier and noisier and being in my bedroom it got to the point where I almost could not sleep it was so loud. So I started looking into canisters and they seemed to work much more quietly and efficiently as well as requiring only moderate maintenance. I compared this the Cascade 1000's features with other more highly recommended canister type filters such as Eheim and they seemed comparable, but Penn-Plax's price on Amazon was almost half the price of some of its higher end competitors--especially in comparison to independent fish stores and chains such as Petco or Petsmart. But I am a frugal, read other customers reviews and didn't want to through extra money out the window, so went ahead and bought this filter nearly 8 years ago and its still humming along wonderfully and quietly. My ONLY complaint is that the instructions are very basic and not as detailed as they could be. And the replacement or assembly of some of the smaller or specialty parts are not clearly explained. I was cleaning my unit and removing the motor housing and a large rectangular gasket just popped out that I didn't recall seeing before because it had been installed when I first bought the unit. I then went online and watched several "how to" videos, but they were all basic and mainly covered dismantling the filter compartments. One did show replacing the motor impeller unit which was helpful and while we are on that subject the little gasket seal for the impeller units are now almost impossible to find. They generally will last for a few years, but still, you want to be able to buy a replacement rather than replace the entire filter. I finally found online aquarium supplies seller that had an one left from older stock--since to my knowledge Penn Plex does not show them in their online parts catalog anymore and you cannot buy them at retail pet or aquarium stores, so I bought that remaining one right away (they do sell all the other parts, but not the darn O ring which if you don't have it won't work. But I still would highly recommend this filter and I also like its transparent blue plastic housing because you can see the water and filter components through the housing. It is the only canister filter I am aware of that is see through. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Filter *by D***H on September 22, 2015* I have a 120 gallon aquatic 3 turtle aquarium with a couple of large Plecos. Both pretty dirty. Based on research the canister filters seemed the way to go. I bought the Cascade 1500. Two of them actually, though it's probably overkill. I love the 5 trays which allow me many options for both mechanical and biological filtration. It sets up easily. The instructions have you trimming the hoses so you have a pretty direct line to the output but if you do that you won't be able to get your filter out of the front of the cabinet and you'll need to do that to prime it and clean it. One of mine primes easily, one push and it's going. The other counts as my cardio workout of the day. I bring it out and use my foot to pump the button. It's easier than doing it with your hand. The filter is very quiet. I am very happy with it. I do wish these came with a motorized primer of some sort but for this price you can't complain much. It sells for twice this much in the pet stores. UPDATE, Sept. 5, 2017. I am now running 12 of these filters in my array of aquariums and I'm still very happy with them. I've got a 220 gallon filled with African Cichlids, 75 gallon for turtles, 65 for Bluegills and Green Sunfish and a few 40's, 20's and 10's for breeding and quarantine. I do have a couple of tips to share. The motor head has a couple of seams that go around it. The lowest tends to leak water when you remove the head to clean it. This makes for a messy job. The first few I bought did not have this problem so I returned several thinking it a defect but they all did it. I put electrical tape all the way around that seam stretching it tight and no more mess or leaks. Another ( my favorite) is put the black coarse sponge that comes with it all the way at the bottom, under the trays. Don't let the hole in the sponge line up with the holes in the tray. If you do this you will not find your media all scummy with algae because this catches all of it before it gets there. I had one filter that i had neglected for a few months and I expected a mess but to my surprise the mess was contained in that black filter. My bio-media was spotless. If you put it in the tray it will not do this. You'll end up having to wash your media and that's a pain. I have had one or two that were difficult to prime the first time. Once you get past that if you remove the hoses exactly the way the instructions tell you it's easy. Once the tubes are reattached flip the levers and you'll get instant prime. ( you may need a push or two at the most) It will give out some huge bubbles and noise as the air is expelled. That's a good thing. A warning though and I suspect all canister filters will do this, when you turn your filter back on you will get a huge mess of scum from the tubes sprayed out. I thoroughly rinse out the motor head but there may still be some caught in it so I'm not sure which it's coming from. I therefore recommend that you clean your filter before you vacuum the tank so you can get it all once it settles. ## Frequently Bought Together - Penn-Plax Cascade All-in-One Aquarium Canister Filter – for Tanks Up to 150 Gallons (315 GPH) – Cascade 1200 - Penn-Plax Cascade Filt-a-Pack Aquarium Canister Filter Media Bag with Bio Rings – 10 Oz – 1-Pack - Penn-Plax Cascade 1200/1500 GPH Canister Filter Aquarium Bio Sponge Replacement; 1 Pack --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.kg/products/19267122-penn-plax-cascade-1200-canister-filter-315-gph-for-tanks](https://www.desertcart.kg/products/19267122-penn-plax-cascade-1200-canister-filter-315-gph-for-tanks) --- *Product available on Desertcart Kyrgyzstan* *Store origin: KG* *Last updated: 2026-10-24*