Penn-Plax Cascade 600 Fully Submersible Internal Filter – Provides Physical, Biological, and Chemical Filtration for Aquariums and Turtle Tanks

Let's start this very simple.This is a top tier filter for 40 dollars ,heck, I'd pay 60 on a bad day. Out of the box it is quiet and effective. Very easy to clean once it's disassembled.After 5 years: it opens easier for sure.I've recommended this filter to everyone I know. I came back to this page to purchase two new ones. Not because my original quit functioning but because it's a little loud after being in a sand/silt bottom tank for 5 years. I will retire this one to my plant tank as it is still a great filter but would be horribly loud for a pet to live next to.More details about it's life:I've abused this filter. It's been overloaded, underwatered, at one point my tank cracked and it ran dry for 3 days while I was on vacation. (one year in) I only ran the carbon portion for about a year, it was extremely difficult to open and refill. Happy to say the filter works great without it. The internal construction is simple and easy to clean making upkeep a dream, just pop the head off and fill your sink with water. Turn the filter on and swish it around.At one point I used the top portion as a pump to do water changes. Just fit some clear tubing on and into a bucket. It is very versatile even in ways it wasn't meant to be.This filter has had a long long life and has proven to be probably the most durable thing I've ever bought. Happy retirement little guy.

The media could not be loaded. Today is the 1st day up and running, and not sure yet if I can give it 5 stars, but a solid 4. As can see in the video, I ditched the charcoal and added bio rocks in that compartment. It popped open, but not disturbing anything so leaving it alone until I have to go back in. I ordered some Seachem Purigen and will have to alter the bag to make it fit somewhere in there on the sponge side to really clear the water. It's a tight squeeze in the foam cavity to add much of anything without impeding the flow of the filter, unless you decide to cut the foam and add layers of what you like. (maybe a future plan) and can always stack it back if do not like it.So far I really like that it is super silent compared to my HOB filter. My plan was to run 2 together to get this going and seed it, but the HOB bit the dust and became really loud, so unfortunately, I am hoping this cycles fast with Safe Start and also ordered some Seachem Stability (should be in next week). I rinsed my old sponge filters in the tank from the HOB, and have to say was not impressed as it took hours and hours to clear the tank, and still some stuff floating around (that was yesterday). Not as effective as the HOB suction wise, but I think because it's too new and the bacteria are not established to help filter the water, the stuff is just blowing through the pores of the sponge, as not multi layered. I am not seeing much of anything actually being sucked into the filter, but it must be because the outflow is really strong.I am running this on a 29 gallon tall flat back hex. The setting is set just above slow to get some air bubble going, and is really strong. I wish the attachment was a bit taller as when you adjust, it likes to come off easily. I tried the spray bar, and although was nice, if not adjust properly you will get a shower and will go all over. The floor got a nice cleaning today :). I since went back to this attachment to control the flow. My angel likes to swim in the current as with the guppies, but is okay and not fighting it too much, just enough to play in.So that is my review. I will update it in a few weeks to see if I like it more or less. So far I am glad I got it...It is now a few weeks later and upgrading my rating to 5 stars! Once it got going and established, it works fantastic! I will never go back to a HOB filter again. Does a great job, very pleased, use in conjunction with a sponge filter knocked my nitrates down to 20 ppm. LOVE IT!

A hang-on filter wasn't enough to support my 50gal tank, so I bought this filter to support water circulation. It's been a life saver, and I no longer have to do one (or more) water change every week. I don't know how well this filter works as a standalone device, but it definitely works wonders with a companion.My one qualm with this product is that it is impossible for me to take it apart without help from someone else. This filter is NOT built with smaller hands in mind.

Updated Aug 2021I’ve learned how to maneuver the canister opening so it’s not impossible to open anymore. It’s a learning curve but once you’ve done it a few times you’ll get the hang of it. It’s still crazy that it’s so difficult but I understand because turtles are exploring and could bump it open.My water is clear now, always. I had to allow it time to correct itself. I ended up keeping both filters and I’m glad I did.I’m satisfied in the long run. I changed to 5 stars. It’s quiet and keeps the water clean. And it’s easy to clean all the parts and put it back together. The parts are affordable and easy to get.————-First impression Spring 2021This filter was one of the recommended and I’m not impressed. My turtle tank isn’t crystal clear. I have a 29 gallon and I thought it could handle it. It is quiet though. The price was right too. Also shipping was quick. But overall I am not happy and will keep looking for a better option for us. I bought two and had to send one back. It was impossible to open to rinse the parts for the initial use. So for my 2nd tank, I’ll find a different filter. I know turtles are messy but I still like to give them crystal clear water. This is about 85% to 90 % clear . This picture is day 1 of fresh cleaning and it goes down hill from here. I feed in water and it’s a wrap. It instantly gets cloudy. It didn’t do this with my Tetra filter.