Penn Plax Cascade 500 Instructions

Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter series offers the best at an affordable price also.With high-tech filtration mechanism, all the canister filters in the series, i.e, Penn Plax Cascade 1500, 1000, 1200, 700 and 500 are well suited for different aquarium capacity ranging up to 200 gallons. This Cascade 500 will be filtering my 29 gallon freshwater aquarium. It is well built and very quiet. Music: Bensound.com.

Contents

• 3 Penn Plax Cascade Features
• 4 Multi-Stage and Quite a Filtration of Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter
• 5 Pros and Cons of Cascade Filter Series
• 6 Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Assembling Manual

Installation Instructions for a Penn-Plax Canister Filter. Penn-Plax canister filter. Cascade 1000 Canister Filter - 265 gph - up to 100 Gallons. Penn Plax Warm Tone LED 500 Watt Heater. Sale Regular price: $41.89. Cascade 150 Watt Submersible Glass Heater. Penn Plax Multi Use Suction Cups 2 Pack. Regular price $1.79 Cascade 300 Watt Submersible Glass Heater. We have everything your pet needs! (631) 273-3787 ext. 4 or (866) 625-2385. 35 Marcus Blvd, Hauppauge, NY 11788.

Why Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter is the Best

Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter series offers the best at an affordable price also. With high-tech filtration mechanism, all the canister filters in the series, i.e, Penn Plax Cascade 1500, 1000, 1200, 700 and 500 are well suited for different aquarium capacity ranging up to 200 gallons.

Being an aquarist is not easy but it will give you an immense amount of satisfaction to see those tiny little creatures swimming around healthy and happily under your care.

To provide your aqua-friends with a perfect atmosphere to dwell in, having a canister filter is a must. Many of the small-sized aquariums have internally placed canister filters.

But if you own a large-sized heavy aquarium, then you are definitely supposed to have an external canister filter that will make your cleaning work less tedious. It will cut your work of cleaning every once in a while but still keeping your aquarium pollutant free.

Currently, Penn Plax Cascade series manufactures the most acclaimed powerful canister filter with the best possible features. They are designed with a large amount of filter media that are being installed to keep your aquarium clean even with your long absence from maintenance work.

Given below is a table with details of Cascade canister filter series.

Penn Plax Cascade Features

The Cascade canister filter is designed with locking lid, impeller motors, intake and outtake tubes and different types of filter media.

The work starts with the intake tube channeling the water from the aquarium tank to the canister filter where the filtration process undergoes with the help of different types of filter media.

The impeller motor then channels back the filtered water from the canister storage cylinder to your aquarium. The following features offered in the Penn-Plax Cascade aquarium canister filter series ease up the process.

High Flow Rate of Cascade Filter

The high flow rate characteristically available with the Cascade canister filter series efficiently ensures powerful and speedy water flow along with several layers of effective filtration mechanism.

Considering the variety in the quality of water content of your aquarium ranging from fresh to saltwater, these canister filters are crafted to give an almost perfect performance with every aquarium.

The attractive color of cobalt blue makes it appealing to everyone’s eyes when placed next to the aquarium. The high flow rate ensures water circulation in a regular interval that discards all the unwanted toxic fish waste from your aquarium.

And the feature that makes this cascade filter series most desirable is the regulator or the control valve for adjusting the water flow rate whenever and however required according to the size of the aquarium and fish living in it.

The control valves are also useful for cutting off the water flow for any issues related to the maintenance that may lead to leak and mess if continued with the flow of water into the canister filter.

Multi-Stage and Quite a Filtration of Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter

For effective filtration mechanism, the Penn Plax Cascade series has pre-installed filter media of different types along with the large filter trays. The numerous baskets for holding up the filter media makes it possible to have a combination of all with different filtration techniques for delivering efficient multi-stage filtration.

The pollutants in your aquarium can be different in their composition and approached to get rid of them. The combination of all these filter medium to discard different types of toxicity like chemical, mechanical or biological waste helps to provide the aquarium creatures with a healthy atmosphere to grow in.

Cascade Filter series is amongst the favorites of everyone who has ever used these because of its large filter chambers which facilitate more space to include various filter media for effective filtration and longer maintaining periods to help adjust your fish even when you are not around to take care of them.

Filtration Media of Cascade Canister Filter

The Penn-Plax Cascade aquarium canister filter package includes different media for your convenience. You may use them or can make your own combination depending on the type of waste created in your aquarium.

It is suggested to go for having a wide array of filtration possibilities to accomplish total cleanliness from every toxicity. The filtration media can be of bio-sponges, bio-floss or activated carbon depending on the composition of the waste produced in your aquarium.

It is always recommended to use the combination with more filter media because the more the media, lesser is the chance of having foul water for your aquarium creatures and reduced maintenance needs and time.

The Cascade Filter Easy to Set-up and Maintain

While buying a Cascade canister filter, the most disturbing thoughts you may have of the difficulty in setting up the filter. For your convenience, the Penn Plax Cascade canister aquarium filter series canister filter is designed to facilitate comfortable and easier set up of the machine.

Any equipment that you may need for installation work is easily available and accessible. The fast filtration mechanism then clean and clear up your aquarium after installation.

As fast as within 30 minutes of installation the filtration begins and you will be able to see the improvement in the water quality within a day or less. The Cascade filter contains a self-priming button on the lid for easy and reachable starting switch.

Your work will be reduced to only pressing the button as many as times you think is required to get sufficient speed of water flows from the intake tube into the filter. The rest work is done by the filter to keep your aquarium clean and ideal for the fish living in it.

Additional Features of Penn Plax Cascade Series Which Makes it Wonderful and Easy for Set-up

• Loaded with two independent directional 360-degree rotating valve taps to ensures hassle-free placement.
• Swimming pool style hose clamps facilitate easy assembling or disassembling of filter for setup and maintenance.
• Flow-rate control valves provide easy adjustment of flow rate to avoid any mess created because of excessive water flow or leakage.
• The directional return, meaning the channel from the aquarium to the filtration tank and then back aids for easy circulation of waste and freshwater.
• Easy-lift clamps provide for the simple removal of the top lid as and when required for cleaning or changing filter media.
• Air-tight permits no water to leak from the filtration tank and for a very quiet and sound free operation.
• A mounted tip-proof rubber base prevents the filter from any unwanted movement.

Pros and Cons of Cascade Filter Series

Pros

• Affordable price in comparison to other canister filters in the class.
• Comes with a well-explained user manual that makes your set up work easy and fun-filled.
• Adjustable buttons to control the flow of water through valves present.
• Noise-free operation.
• Available in different capacity range for you to choose from that will require less of your efforts in maintaining.
• The best quality at the price.
• Long-lasting and durable.
• Tip-proof base.
• Always remain in demand amongst the aquarist.

Cons

• The size and shape of some trays do not fit snug, creating a passage for the water to bypass through the media. But this problem has a solution too. The filter floss available in the market can easily be stuck to the side areas to prevent the flow of water through snug.
• The motor and pumping parts of the canister filter from the Cascade filter series offered by Penn Plax are sealed and covered. So if there remains any residual waste matter, algae or any debris then that stays unreachable and removing it becomes difficult.

Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter Assembling Manual

Prepare Penn Plax Cascade Filter

The top lid of the Penn-Plax Cascade aquarium canister filter can be opened using the lock clips. Once it has been opened, the motor unit can be removed. You can remove the filter basket from the filter case then.

Prepare Media Baskets of the Cascade Canister Filter

The filtration process starts from the bottom of the filtration tank and then stir the water at the top. Using a floss pad and carbon bag in the bottom basket help in effective cleaning. Whereas the combination of floss pad and coarse sponge pad in the top basket is recommended.

Reassemble the Cascade Filter

Now to reassemble the Penn Plax Cascade canister aquarium filter, place the seal ring, connector and the media basket cover over the top basket. Media baskets can be fit using the clips that are attached on the sides of the top basket.

Once you install these clips, you have to slide the media basket into the slots. You will find a small opening on the motor unit. This must put in a line with the holes in the basket.

Attach the Valves of Penn-Plax Cascade Aquarium Canister Filter

The valves are easy to attach. Once you attach these valves to ports on the motor unit, you will be able to restrict the flow of water. Both “in” and “out” port are marked with different colors.

The valve with blue ring must be attached to the “in” port and the black one must be attached to the “out” port.

Position the Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter

Placing your cascade filter in an easy place for your reach is a good idea. It can be accessed without any discomfort. The hose is not supposed to attach yet. Hose with valves can be removed from the motor easily enough to remain at the aquarium during filter maintenance.

Hose Attachment Cascade Canister Filter

The intake tube and hose must be attached. The blue-colored hose ring must be fit aligning the intake port. Now, attach the intake tube extension and the strainer. Using two suction cups will help in securing the intake tube to the aquarium wall.

Exhaust Hose Assembly of Penn Plax Cascade

Either a spray bar or a directional spout can be used. Any choice you make will help to break surface water to provide oxygen exchange for your aquarium. The only difference between these two is the force asserted.

While in case of the directional spout a forceful circulating flow is created in any direction whereas the spray bar evenly distributes the filtered water across the length of the aquarium. You can even adjust the height for positioning the directional spout or spray bar. The two extra elbow connectors will do the needful.

One of the most popular canister filters in the aquarium hobby is the Penn Plax Cascade. There are two versions of the product available, a standard edition and the black elite edition. So which of these two best fit the needs of your fish tank? You can find out in this comparison guide.

Quick Summary

The Penn Plax Cascade Black Elite Canister Aquarium Filter provides a better value as it comes with replacement Bio-Floss, Bio-Sponge and Pro-Carb filter medias in addition to a Magna Sweep Algae Magnet. You most likely have to pay more if you decide to get the regular Penn Plax Cascade, the replacement filter medias and Magna Sweep Algae Magnet separately.

With that said, the two versions are identical when it comes to performance (supported aquarium size, flow rate, media baskets and more). The only other difference is that the regular Cascade comes in blue housing while the Cascade Elite comes in black. We prefer the black color as it will block out light and, thus, prevent algae from getting in your canister.

You can purchase either version of the product on Amazon with the following links:

Cascade vs. Cascade Elite Comparison Charts

Cascade 500 vs. Cascade Black 500 Elite

Cascade 700 vs. Cascade Black 700 Elite

Cascade 1000 vs. Cascade Black 1000 Elite

Cascade 1200 vs. Cascade Black 1200 Elite

Cascade 1500 vs. Cascade Black 1500 Elite

Dimensions

The dimensions are identical for the regular and elite editions of the Penn Plax Canister Filter when you compare the Cascade 500 to Cascade Black 500 Elite, Cascade 700 to Cascade Black 700 Elite, Cascade 1000 to Cascade Black 1000 Elite, Cascade 1200 to Cascade Black 1200 Elite and Cascade 1500 to Cascade Black 1500 Elite. You can find the measurements below:

• Cascade 500 and Cascade Black 500 Elite: 11.5″ x 13.5″ x 9″
• Cascade 700 and Cascade Black 700 Elite: 11.5″ x 15″ x 10″
• Cascade 1000 and Cascade Black 1000 Elite: 11.5″ x 17″ x 10″
• Cascade 1200 and Cascade Black 1200 Elite: 11.5″ x 20.5″ x 11″
• Cascade 1500 and Cascade Black 1500 Elite: 11.5″ x 20.5″ x 12″

Supported Aquarium Size

There is no difference in terms of supported aquarium size between the regular Cascade and Cascade Elite. You can check out the specs for each model below:

• 500 and Black 500 Elite: up to 30 Gallons
• 700 and Black 700 Elite: up to 65 Gallons
• 1000 and Black 1000 Elite: up to 100 Gallons
• 1200 and Black 1200 Elite: up to 150 Gallons
• 1500 and Black 1500 Elite: up to 200 Gallons

Canister Housing Color

The standard version of the Penn Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter uses a blue transparent canister housing. As a result, you will be able to see little bit on the inner workings. This has some advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage of having a transparent blue housing is that you will know if your filter is getting dirty and, thus, need to be clean. The main disadvantage is that the transparency will expose the canister to potential algae blooms. Most algae are relatively harmless unless they start to clog your filter and slow down the water flow.

The Cascade Black Elite comes with a black housing, which will block out any visibility in addition to light sources that may lead to algae blooms.

Water Flow

The water performance are also the same when you compare the 500 to 500 Elite, 700 to 700 Elite, 1000 to 1000 Elite, 1200 to 1200 Elite and 1500 to 1500 Elite. You can find the water flow ratings for each below:

• Cascade 500 and Cascade 500 Elite: up to 115 gallons per hour
• Cascade 700 and Cascade 700 Elite: up to 185 gallons per hour
• Cascade 1000 and Cascade 1000 Elite: up to 265 gallons per hour
• Cascade 1200 and Cascade 1200 Elite: up to 315 gallons per hour
• Cascade 1500 and Cascade 1500 Elite: up to 350 gallons per hour

Media Baskets

The amount of media baskets included are also identical in the regular and elite editions of the Penn Plax Canister Aquarium Filter:

• Cascade 500 and Cascade Elite 500: 2 media baskets
• Cascade 700 and Cascade Elite 700: 2 media baskets
• Cascade 1000 and Cascade Elite 1000: 3 media baskets
• Cascade 1200 and Cascade Elite 1200: 4 media baskets
• Cascade 1500 and Cascade Elite 1500: 5 media baskets

Quick Push-Button Primer

Penn Plax Cascade 700 Manual

Both versions also come with a quick push-button primer. This will allow you to easily add water to the canister from your fish tank.

Directional 360-degree Rotating Valve Taps

The Cascade and Cascade Black Elite include directional 360-degree rotating valve taps, which will give you a lot of versatility when it comes to moving tubing around, in multiple directions, from the canister to the aquarium.

Flow-Rate Control Valves

Flow-rate control valves are also included in both products. These will allow you to control the water flow of the filter.

Pool-Style Hose Clamps

You will also get pool-style hose clamps for the Cascade and Cascade Elite. The clamps will help secure the tubing when you hang them on your fish tank.

Spray Bar

Furthermore, the two versions come with a spray bar. The optional accessory is made to help evenly disperse outgoing water from the canister filter into your tank.

Rubber Mounted Tip-Proof Rubber Base

Last but not least, a rubber mounted tip-proof rubber base is included in both versions of the Penn Plax Canister. This will keep your filter quiet, stable and prevent it from being knocked over.

Magna Sweep Algae Magnet

The Magna Sweep algae magnet is exclusive to the Cascade Black 500 Elite, Cascade Black 700 Elite, Cascade Black 1000 Elite, Cascade Black 1200 Elite and Cascade Black 1500 Elite. This tool will let you conveniently scrape off algae from your glass or acrylic panel from the outside via the use of magnets.

Included Filter Media

Both versions of the Cascade come with Bio-Floss, Bio-Sponge and Pro-Carb. Bio-Floss will trap very small particles from the water in your fish tank. Bio-Sponge is designed to trapped bigger particles as well as provide surface area for beneficial bacteria (which will help consume ammonia and nitrites, both of which are toxic to your pet fish) to grow. Pro-Carb will help clear up your water, remove any odors and unwanted chemicals.

The Cascade Black Elite Filters comes with extra Bio-Floss, Bio-Sponge and Pro-Carb in addition to Bio-Rings. The rings are optimized to provide surface area for the aforementioned beneficial bacteria. Along with the above-mentioned Magna Sweep algae magnet, you get a lot of added value with the Elite when compared to the regular Cascade version.

Cascade Penn Plax Filter Instructions

Optional Filter Media

Both the Cascade and Cascade Elite also support the Pro-Z and Pro-Carb-Z. Filt-A-Pack Pro-Z will help remove ammonia from your tank water. Pro-Carb-Z is a combination of the aforementioned Pro-Carb and Pro-Z.

Penn Plax Cascade Troubleshooting

You can check out our Cascade/Casade Elite filter media buyer’s guide for more information of the aforementioned filter media types.