From the manufacturer
Promotes and maintains crystal clear water within aquariums.
Penn-Plax, manufacturer & distributor of top Pet Supplies.
Penn-Plax is a family owned business that was established in 1956 in Brooklyn, New York. Over the years our goal remains the same: to enhance the pet ownership experience.
We specialize in creating excellent pet supplies for animals, both great and small. We’re best known for producing pet products at affordable prices. Our brand, Penn-Plax, is synonymous with innovation and quality, keeping your pet foremost in mind.
Cascade 100 Power Hang-On Filter
Quiet and Efficient
The Cascade 100 Power Hang-On Filter quietly delivers crystal clear water throughout the aquarium. This filter pushes water at 100 gallons per hour (GPH) for tanks up to 20 Gallons in size. It’s great for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums.
- The adjustable flow knob allows for increased or decreased water flow at will, which is extremely helpful during feeding times, or use it as needed. Hang-on design is constructed for safe mounting.
- This Cascade filter utilizes disposable, double-sided media cartridges that contain Activated Carbon and Poly Fiber Floss.
- The Cascade 100 Power Hang-On Filter features a Bio-Sponge cartridge that optimizes colonization of anaerobic bacteria, and is independent from the first stage filter media.
- This filter provides biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration to modern aquariums. Our Bio-Falls system enhances water oxygenation, and aids with removing ammonia and nitrate.
Top Features of the CPF2 – Cascade 100 Power Hang-On Filter from Penn-Plax
Intuitive Features
Intuitive features make Cascade Power Hang-On Filters a breeze to set up. The adjustable flow rate and the adjustable intake tube allow you to manipulate the filter to your individual needs with ease. Furthermore, the disposable, double-sided media cartridges allow for simple filter and aquarium maintenance.
Powerful Filtration
Designed for today’s modern aquariums, the Cascade line of Power Hang-On Filters features three stages of filtration that provide filtered, crystal clear water for your aquarium.
Light & Whisper Quiet Operation
In addition to being extremely powerful, Cascade Power Hang-On Filters are some of the quietest filters available on the market. In addition, they’re designed to be used in both freshwater and marine environments, and are trusted by aquarists worldwide.
Filter Stopped Pumping Water? Flow Rate Significantly Decreased?
Cascade Power Hang-On Filters require routine maintenance in order operate at their best. Please follow included paper instructions for proper maintenance.
Pour enough water to completely immerse impeller cover before turning filter on. Never run filter dry.
Filter Media:
- Periodically check filter media for clogging. Tank conditions will determine how often this is necessary. Replace disposable Poly Fiber Floss / Carbon Cartridge when water cannot freely pass though to the carbon. Rinse excess build-up from Sponge Filter and BioFalls Cartridge. Never use soap or detergents.
Impeller and Intake Tube:
- Impeller and Intake Tube should be cleaned periodically. Disconnect power and take entire filter to a sink. Motor unit can be removed by twisting ¼ turn counterclockwise and pulling downward. Clean impeller and chamber with filter brush. Carefully reattach motor by wetting O-Ring on motor, reinserting and twisting to locked position. Dissemble Intake Tube and clean with a tube brush.
Cascade 20 Cascade 80 Cascade 100 Cascade 150 Cascade 200 Cascade 300 Model Number CPF6 CPF1 CPF2 CPF3 CPF4 CPF5 Gallons per Hour 20 GPH 80 GPH 100 GPH 150 GPH 200 GPH 300 GPH Recommended Aquarium Size up to 7 gallons up to 10 gallons up to 20 gallons up to 35 gallons up to 55 gallons up to 100 gallons Mechanical Filtration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Chemical Filtration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Biological Filtration via Bio-Sponge x x ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Biological Filtration via Bio-Falls x x ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Replacement Cartridge Replacement Cartridges Standard Airline Tubing Replacement Bio-Sponge Model Number CPF2C CPF2C3 ST8 CPF310 Units 1 pack 3 pack 8 ft. 1 pack
Faith Garcia – HoffmanFaith Garcia – Hoffman –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Look it over carefully
I’m a big fan of these Penn Plax Cascade filters. They’re extremely quiet and I love the adjustable flow setting. I upgraded from a 2.7 gallon to a 5.5 gallon and had the Cascade 80 filter on the 5 gallon for a week or so. I decided to convert the 5.5 from a betta tank to a shrimp tank and put my Betta back in the 2.7. I purchased the fluval edge pre-filter sponge at the same time as ordering the Cascade 100. It’s a perfect fit for the Cascade 100 and it obviously protects my shrimp from being sucked up into the filter. The only reason I rated this 4 star’s is because I ordered it and transferred over my betta (two days before it arrived) but when it arrived a piece that holds the motor in place was broken off. So I placed another order and that replacement filter seemed to be in working condition. Sadly a day or two later I noticed water dripping from the intake area. I took it off my tank, tried adjusting the filter media (thinking there was too much and it was causing the water to overflow.) That didn’t fix it, upon closer inspection I realized the leak was coming from in-between the filter intake and the blue plastic case. I already exchanged it once and don’t want to run my tank without a filter while it’s exchanged a second time. So I simply cut out a piece of sponge filter and have it pushed between the intake and case. It’s still leaking through but not enough to where I need to exchange it. Long story short, be sure to look over the filter throughly before and after installation. Otherwise I recommend purchasing this filter, there’s plenty of space to put in your own mix of filter media and it looks, runs and sounds great.
15 people found this helpful
Cheryl E FitzgeraldCheryl E Fitzgerald –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great filter; it *is* quiet
The media could not be loaded.
I am very pleased with this filter. I bought one, and then bought two more, back in April. This filter is quiet: I have included a video so you can hear it. Aside from the sound of the intake pulling up water when you turn it on, once it gets going, the motor should be quiet. If it still makes noise, try pushing the top of the intake tube down (into where it connects with the motor); if it’s not fully (or properly) seated into the motor, it will make noise.I am using them in 10 gallon tanks. I don’t think it’s too powerful for that; but I do have a bn pleco in each tank, and so they need good filtration (even with plants). I also purchased little sponges you can stick on the end of the intake, for added protection. The suction isn’t too strong, it’s just that each tank also has a siamese fighter (betta) and I just want to avoid any unnecessary injuries to their absurdly long and delicate fins. The sponges also prevent smaller floating plants from getting sucked in.For a 10 gallon tank, the flow rate can be a bit strong; but that’s easily solved by putting some sort of “baffle” to break it up. I actually just use a glass jar placed right under it so the water is pouring into the jar. See the additional photo. (And no, the water is not dirty. It looks brown because it’s full of tannins from peat moss to lower the pH to where it needs to be. I boil the peat moss and then filter it out using a couple layers of coffee filters to make a concentrated brew that I add in when I do water changes.)I would definitely recommend this filter. 👍
3 people found this helpful
Jaq_Lyn –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Terrible & Noisy
This filter is so noisy and there’s not much room for media to fit inside. Suction is ok but doesn’t make up for how terrible this is overall. Can’t adjust the flow. It’s either loud or louder. Annoying! Getting a replacement.
Diana –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Assembly, Power and Decor
The set up to put together was not ‘difficult’ and that is appreciated. I will give a 5 Star review due to the simplicity and filtering of the item. However, I do plan to return as I have a 20 gallon at this time, and intend to get a 40 gallon and the power is not quite strong enough. Does performed well, however. I only used a short time and knew that I would return, so did not want to use longer. I perfectly fine for a 10 gallon, and I have Goldfish, one being about 8 inches long and another about 5 inches and growing. They are more demanding in cleaning. That could be an over sight on my behalf. One thing I would like to mention, is the tube is black and looks good. However, one cannot see into the tubing regarding any accumulation that may need to be cleaned. Sound is quiet, easy to assemble.
One person found this helpful
KC06 –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok filter
I purchased the Cascade 100 to replace the filter that came with a 10 gallon aquarium I was setting up. At the time I had a Penn Plax canister filter on a turtle tank and had been happy with it for a couple years so Penn Plax was the obvious choice for my new fix tank. I regret not looking at the replacement cartridges prior to ordering this. The only replacement cartridges you can use (apparently) are fully disposable. I had a very hard time getting the aquarium to cycle and don’t think the disposable filter cartridges helped. The carbon in the cartridge would get used up leading to aquarium odors. With this filter, you can’t replace the carbon and reuse the mesh pad part so you’re throwing away beneficial bacteria colonies every time you replace the filter.Also, the replacement cartridges, currently anyway, are very expensive when compared to the cost of the filter. I paid $16.99 for the filter and 3 replacement cartridges cost $7.49.I now have 2 Penn Plax canister filters and am very happy with both of those filters. However, after my last 3 replacement cartridges are used up, I’ll most likely replace this filter.
One person found this helpful
JZ –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quiet filter
Quiet unit, works well in the 19 gallon tank. Only 3 fish with natural plants and rocks. Flake fed.
One person found this helpful
Amazon CustomerAmazon Customer –
2.0 out of 5 stars
Shipped Broken
Plastic on filter was broken and broken piece was placed inside filter housing (Broken before shipping) the filter works, but poor quality control from seller.
Patrick –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best in its class
Very solid, effective, does what it supposed to do.
One person found this helpful
Amber J –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good buy.
I used to use this for my RES and it did what it could for as long as I needed. Extremely easy to assemble. It really couldn’t handle my turtles waste, even with good media, filter pad inside it and with my consistent water changes on the tank. It really is silent, but you have to clean it every week. Saying all that, it would be a good buy for a single fish (maybe), snails, dwarf frogs, etc. but nothing bigger than those or a school anything.
Amazon CustomerAmazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Efficient Yet Gentle on Fish
Just ordered the 100 gallon option for my 10 gallon tank. It’s perfect! It really does clear up the water with an efficient yet gentle current. I currently have a betta and 5 Kuhli Loaches and they all have no issue with this filter- even when it’s on the ‘high’ or fast flow rate. When you do try to lower the current, there’s an awkward gurgling sound coming from the filter, but it’s just the water leveling off and after about 10 minute it stops and you have a new flow rate. Besides that, it really is silent and all I hear is the nice trickling of water and the very very quiet hum of the motor in the background.
abbyyabbyy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
amazing piece
i used this for my 30 gal fish tank. it was very very green before and i changed half the water and put this filter in , when i went to bed it was still green and very muggy water you couldnt even see five inches in the tank , within the next three days my tank is completely clean!! crystal clear water !! i changed the water again and its sparkling. very happy with this purchase. however make sure to buy a package of filters so you can keep tank clean all year:)
One person found this helpful
Matthew –
1.0 out of 5 stars
awful
burnt out motor almost caught wall, on fire
TeekarTeekar –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Slept good based on low noise level
Very quiet, 100 gallon per hour transfer rate. Tank cleared up quite a bit over night. Turned down flow rate for extra filtering. Wished it had a double filter + the carbon sponge. Slept good based on low noise level. Got tank to temp also with NICE HEATER. Bro-die (my fishes name) should be able to move into his bew home today !!! Hope he likes it. I would buy another but like the Marineland a little more….. (Sorry)
3 people found this helpful
amy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!
I’m using this product on my 20 gallon aquarium. It’s very quite and works great!
phil –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great deal for a great filter
I am a light sleeper and have a betta sorority tank near my bed, so I didn’t want to use a sponge filter with a pump because they are too noisy. This filter is great, the flow is adjustable and it is silent. You can add your own filter material if you want. One of the stores near me carries this brand and it is almost $8 more than on Amazon.I would buy this filter again.
L Walls –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dependable and easy to use
This is my second Cascade HOB filter. My first one was the larger Cascade but this small one works out great for a 10 gallon. Easy to clean and of course you can use whatever filter media you wish. I also use Fluval HOB and Cascade in my opinion is equal. You can’t go wrong with this product.
2 people found this helpful
Ken D. –
2.0 out of 5 stars
UPDATE** Does the job of 2 filters!
Update** it has been slightly over 2 months since I’ve purchased this and the motor has already died out. I went to the manufacturer for a warranty claim and it’s $15 dollars to process and send the replacement, which is almost the cost of a brand new one! This doesn’t make too much sense to me and hopefully, for others, theirs will actually last for a longer period of time. However, when it worked, it was good.This filter works great and definitely cleared up my tank. Way better than the stock ones that came with the tank kit I bought. In fact, this ONE does the job better than the 2 combined filters I had installed previously. This was an awesome purchase.
One person found this helpful
Byron Williams –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Way better than Top Fin!
I got this to replace the Top Fin filter that came with my tank and it’s a vast improvement both in noise and filtration. Using it on a 10 gallon tank and I have no complaints.
One person found this helpful
MBeverly –
1.0 out of 5 stars
Purchased brand new and motor was broken only got a $6 refund.
I bought this filter system in December to keep as an emergency. Two weeks ago an emergency happened and I had to transfer my fish into a spare tank.This was brand new, in the package, not tampered with in any way. Upon setting up fully and following all the instructions (pretty standard filter setup) it took almost ten minutes for the motor kicked on, which lasted less than ten seconds before cutting off. After many attempts, the motor started up once more, again for less than ten seconds. After wasting a full hour I had to give up and drive an hour away to the nearest aquarium store so my fish wouldn’t die while I was at work.The frustrating part is the same day the cascade filter system on my other tank was leaking profusely all over my floor damaging the floorboard.Purchased a smaller filter system from a different company that fired up and worked instantly.The worst part is I lost half a day of work and was only refunded $6. Such a disappointment. I would not count on this filter system.
One person found this helpful
Leroy Johnson –
5.0 out of 5 stars
My water is so clean now
I had another filter for almost a year and I couldn’t keep it very clear. I swapped it out for this model and after a week the water is almost crystal clear.
B-Berry –
1.0 out of 5 stars
ONLY recommend for <10 gallon tanks, regardless of the "size" you order
ive got a 10 gallon and the filter i ordered (the Cascade 100) stated it was good for 10>20 gallon tanks so i figured it would be more than fine for my small tetra tank. it is easy to assemble because its very uncomplicated, but directly upon opening it the little plastic pieces that brace it against the outer tank wall (to make it sit perfectly level) broke just from handling. but, i wasnt too concerned about it since its not /really/ a vital part to the filter.i gave it one star (not zero, if it were possible) because it IS definitely quiet, basically impossible to hear from across my living room (in my opinion), and, it does keep the water moving mostly.BUT. doesnt move a lot of water… not really any major current keeps up. and i would absolutely bet that what the listing says as “delivering 100 gallons per hour” as total bs. theres no way it does that much.the filter is also so small that the tip of the filter intake just barely reaches halfway past my tank even when fully extended. my last filter sat closer to the bottom and had intakes along the shaft of it too and it took care of debris at all levels really well. i got this as a replacement but i assumed way too much was true about this filter.my water is still clear, so no major fish health issues, but the filters inside it also barely seem to pick anything up, which i actually found to be pretty odd?? my last filter collected all kinds of crud within a week so it seems suspicious to me that this filter (even when admittedly, left alone for a few weeks) barely had anything?im really unhappy i wasted my money on this and also kept “giving it a try” past the return date. it works for my tank for now (with covid-19, i cant get a filter from my local shop) because it does move some amount of water, but everything else about it is poorly made. this would probably work just fine for tanks well under 10 gallons, but what the listing states is definitely not accurate.
4 people found this helpful
Ariana Barbosa –
1.0 out of 5 stars
DO NOT BUY
Terrible all together!! This filter is very loud!! It has a knob to control how strong the pressure is and that does not work. This filter does not keep my tank water clean either!
Eugene F. Howard –
2.0 out of 5 stars
flow rate adjustment does not work.
Flow rate is the same regardless of the flow setting to low or high.
JD –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lasted 6 months
Worked well but only lasted 6 months. Get what you pay for I guess
DC DC –
1.0 out of 5 stars
Great filter BUT…
This HOB power filter does a great job and is able to get your aquarium’s water crystal clear in no time. It’s easy to set up right out of the box; easy to prime and get going, and easy to clean. It looks attractive and sleek which complements the exterior of any fish tank it is on. There is a MAJOR DRAWBACK though and it is this: the filter tends to randomly stop working! I have been running this filter for over two weeks now and it randomly stops working almost on a daily basis. This is EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING; moreover, once it stops working, there is no other way to get it restarted other than completely dismantling the entire filter, rinsing out the impeller (and it’s motor). I would like to note, I cannot find any cause for it to stop working suddenly…there are no visible debris that might have made the impeller to stop and become jammed, there is nothing in the intake tubes that might have clogged the filter, absolutely nothing I can pinpoint to attribute the filter from randomly stalling. This is a troubling issue since the entire ecosystem of an aquarium depends on a properly working filter. I have been lucky that I check the filter multiple times a day but really, no one should go through this experience of not knowing whether their filter has randomly stopped working again. It’s sad that this product is plagued by this MAJOR ISSUE as it seemed like a promisingly good and efficient hang on the back filter for smaller tanks.
11 people found this helpful
Natalia –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Very low flow. Does not clean well.
It’s a nice product but does not work well with a 5gl or above tanks.
Cheryl K. –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Who’s Problem Is It?
I ordered two of these filters. One had a part missing from the unopened box. This had to be a manufacturer’s problem. The other filter had been used and had water deposits and grit, etc. on it. Amazon may have caused this problem. I think, it should have been in the Open-Box section. ( I detest when something is not right with a product.) I had fish in with a much smaller filter and couldn’t afford the return time and hassle. The filters were cheap so I used the two to make one running filter. Either way, you just get what you pay for; because, ultimately the problem is yours. I have been using the filter for about two weeks and am not disappointed with its operation. It is quiet and seems efficient. I ordered replacement cartridges, and they were pricey.
Kewpie –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very quiet.
The last power filter I bought (Tetra), brand new, made a rattling noise so loud you could hear it throughout the house. I quickly replaced it with the Cascade filter and my house is quiet again.
sarv –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Effective yet loud
So far so good… however this filter is significantly louder than my old whisper filter. The amount of water this filters and the effectiveness however, counters the sound. In my opinion this makes it worth it. But if you’re a sensitive sleeper and your tank is in your bedroom… you should probably look for a different filter.
dana –
4.0 out of 5 stars
It’s a great filter at a good price
I replaced my 15 y/o filter with this product. It’s got a slimmer design and is much quieter than my last one. It’s doing a great job of keeping the tank clean. My only complaint is that the filter design/carbon cartridge is not environmentally friendly. It’s a hard piece of plastic that will definitely end up in a land fill.
Aaron –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed
Came cracked at the bottom. Leaks water
Mark Rose –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Cheap but you get what you pay for
This item was cheap but it didn’t last long. I’m already looking at getting another filter. Don’t try to save money on a filter.
Nehk –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Most quiet hang on the back filter I’ve gotten
Very quiet! And works perfect. The lid make noise when it is on but I run it without the lid Edit: worked great for 5 months then burned out 🙁
scott bradley –
1.0 out of 5 stars
Waste of money
Low suction
SanKat –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Can’t go wrong
I had bought the size smaller for my betta tank and it wasn’t good enough to me. This one is perfect! Great suction,relatively quiet and keeps the tank the cleanest it’s ever been.
Paul Vrbka –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simple installation
Works great, nice unit
Cynthia M. Gerstenberger –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Was great but quit working after 2.5 months
I originally wrote a five star because it worked perfectly for my small tank, but just completely quit working 14 days after my return window. Off to buy a new pump. 🙁
Bill –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great filter, expected to have a better flow
Great filter,expected to have a better flow. Not amy more flow than the 10 gallon from aqueon
Brittney C –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect!!!
Exactly what i wanted. Easy setup, very quiet, Great price and flow is adjustable so works great for my betta fish. The water is so clear now. Great purchase!
Arthur Brown –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works great cleared a dirty tank in 36 hours,20 gal
We’ve tried a few different filters for our 20 gallon tank, different styles etc, this one works the best by far and for the money was the perfect solution for us.
Sydney SextonSydney Sexton –
1.0 out of 5 stars
Used
I bought this product new. This is what it looks like straight out of the box. Sucks.
lindsee holbrook –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Filter for Aquarium
Excellent product good price
Charles Rogers –
2.0 out of 5 stars
This aquarium filter’s water does not flow as well as it looks on the box
The good news is that the Penn Plax Cascade 100 works just enough that none of my fish have succumbed to filth. I am not impressed with the flow of the waterfall, as it was nothing like the image on the box when it was newly installed. The flow of the water eventually became worse as the filter did its job, becoming slightly more than a dribble. The control valve does not seem to function properly, and there does not seem to be a difference in performance for either setting.I recommend that customers buy another product if they can afford to do so.
Joshua D. Gearhart –
2.0 out of 5 stars
Pump lost significant power after a month
I just threw this filter out after running only a month. The flow had slowed to a trickle, so I took the impeller out and completely cleaned it out. Re-installed with no filters at all to test it and there was barely any flow (had been running this with just a fluval foam prefilter on the intake, a single sheet of floss, and a bag of seachem matrix in the compartment).
One person found this helpful
Flash –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good cheap filter
Noisy, but does the trick especially for the price
ross –
2.0 out of 5 stars
A little noisy and not great operation
This filter is noisier than others I have, and after a few weeks of operation it started cycling less and less water. I finally replaced it.
snicklefritzsnicklefritz –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great little filter with a filter floss mod
Works great and fits perfectly on a aqua culture 10 gallon tank kit. The filter that comes with the kit is not so good. This penn plax cascade 100 is way better. Remove the carbon cartridge. Then add some $10 blue and white filter floss in its place. For $30 you have a great little filter with a good surface area for beneficial bacteria.
2 people found this helpful
MileHighShopper –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect size for 10 gallon tank
I’m completely satisfied with this purchased, Upgrading to this filter makes so much difference as far as filtering /cleaning my fish tank. The water is so clear. I think on of my fishes loves it too. Lol. I got the perfect size filter for my 10 gallon tank.
Alison K. –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Quickly dies.
Filter died after a few days. I was sent a replacement, which is still working as of this review. Will update to higher rating if it lasts longer than six months. My previous filter of a different brand lasted nearly 15 years.
One person found this helpful
Sinner12 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
doing my tank good
only real downside to this filter i think is if any fine bits of sand or solid debris gets past the suction tube it tends to get jammed up or gets loud. but its easy to take apart clean an put back together. none of my triops have been stuck or sucked into it.
petmom59 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best filter I have ever had
I have had an aquarium for years. This is the best filter ever. Keeps the aquarium very clean, runs so quiet you can’t hear it, the filter cartridges for it are the best too. I truly love it and am so happy that I purchased it. I highly, highly recommend it. You won’t be sorry.
jazmine bone –
5.0 out of 5 stars
adjustable- good for 10-20 gallon fish tank
i have it on my 20g hexagon aquarium and it seems to require a lot of maintenance? like the flow is really good sometimes and really bad others and i cannot for the life of me figure out why but overall it’s been a good filter and keeps the water looking really nice
Jaye –
1.0 out of 5 stars
Stopped working after 4 months
I liked the look of it and it is very quiet. I was getting ready to add a 2nd filter to my 20g long tank because this one didn’t seem to do the job, however, it stopped working today almost 4 months to the day that I bought it. This filter was meant for a minimum of 20g so I shouldn’t have needed a 2nd one anyway. Very disappointed!
Jeff –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not noisy
I love the fact that it isnt noisy. Took a little to set up but once its up and running it works great.
Veasna Arim –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quiet
Quiet and strong
M. Delatorre –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent aquarium filter
The cascade 100 hang on aquarium filter is an excellent choice for your filtration system. It has the bio-sponge for beneficial bacteria and the waterfall release also grows benefical bac. for your fish. Very quiet and hangs perfectly on my tall hex-aquarium. Overall I love this filter. Just make sure you do your water changes and filter changes on opposite weeks. You will kill some benefical bacterica when you do either. But the other will suffice till new bacteria grows.
10 people found this helpful
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ya tiene 7 años y sigue funcionando
Me gustó
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fits like a glove, Plug & Play! Love it
I love the concept of having a built-in mini pump – way better suction and water flow. I bought a 20g for a 10g. Price difference is insignificant but it insures m water is crystal clear.
Donna –
3.0 out of 5 stars
Broken piece
I have one of these and it works fine, but I needed another one. I ordered a second one and it was a little broken. I was a little upset, but I am hoping that all future orders I place with this company have no issues.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Quiet and Efficient
This filter saved my life, or I guess my fishes life! My old filter broke and made a huge mess in my tank (10gal) and this one cleaned everything right away. It was super easy to assemble too.