I've got many different filters for my multitute of aquariums, but I've got to say that the Penn Plax CASCADE 1000 that I own is a total pile of crap! It's noisy. The hook-ups are flimsy. It's not effective and it's made of some super cheesy brittle plastic. Lately, I noticed that the water coming out of it was very warm. Hot, even. (The last straw) I've got a total of seven old Fluval 303s. Each is over 10 years old. No problems. I've got three Marineland Magnums. Also very old and GREAT. I've got four Marineland H.O.T.s ..Love them. I've got two Rena Filstars. They work O.K. I've got three Aquatop 300s. Quiet and well behaved. The Penn Plax stands alone as being a turd. I've dismantled it and it seems some filter carbon has gotten into the motor and scarred things up. I could hear it rattling inside but couldn't get in there to clean it. it's sealed. A good blow with a hammer unsealed it. I'm not gonna miss this filter.
