The Cascade is better than the magnum, for sure.
I am running a 1200 and a Magnum 250 (set up for mech only) on my 90g and I have no problems keeping all my levels stable. There are a couple of things I will suggest though to make it even better.
1-Make sure to at least get a bag of ceramic rings, the standard sponge is for light stocking only IMO. I also have a bag of Seachem Purigen in one of the trays as well as ceramic rings.
2-cut a strip of filter pad and wrap the trays, this will ensure the water flows through filter media, and not around it(the biggest complaint I have heard about the Cascades).
As stated, I have a 1200, the 1500 handles about another 100gph, but uses the same filter pads as the 1200. $10 for 6 pads=cheap upkeep. I also have to get right next to it a times to make sure it still is running it is so quiet... Cheap fixes and your up to the levels of canisters that cost hundreds more.
