Review on Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Filter - Ideal for Large Aquariums & Fish Tanks Ranging from 30 to 200 Gallons by Lynn Hans

So... 1 new 75 gallon tank with about 60 gallons of water, 1 very dirty turtle to be fed from the tank, 1 new Cascade 1000 filter with only filter media and 1 person with no canister experience I just knew that I was fed up with the smelly, muddy water in his old 55 gallon aquarium with only an aquarium filter and didn't want to repeat that experience.Unfortunately we had to move the turtle to a new tank about 3 days before the filter arrived so how As you can see from the first two "before" photos, we actually tested this filter on absolutely stinky unfiltered water, there was a big difference in 24 hours, but it took about a week for the horrible water to clear again became, u nd a few more days to get rid of most of the pond odor. The water only became crystal clear after the first filter change. The first filter media lasted about 3 weeks before the water started getting cloudy so I had to run the new filter in slightly cloudy water which cleared up completely after 3 days. I plan to only change the filter about once a month now that the water quality is under control. **Update: It took me 5 weeks to decide to change the filter again and the water was still clear. **When I changed the filter, I rinsed the charcoal bag and sponge biofilter in the water that was still in the water. filter after removing the baskets. I put the charcoal bag back in the bottom basket and the sponge biofilter in the top basket. I put a new bag of charcoal in the middle basket and string in each basket. After reading some other suggestions, I also darned some pillow thread around the top basket. **Update: This turned out to be a very good idea - see last picture. **I will probably use bio rings as well and over time only use a new charcoal bag on every change or two. As a new external filter user, I went through all the reviews and photos and filtered out offers by medium before making a purchase decision. It was something that fit my budget and had great reviews so I decided to give it a try. It came with all filter media in three baskets in order and with shut-off valves fitted. (Pooh). I had no problems with assembly, cutting hoses and filling. I found that you have to press the button very quickly. (After the first filter change, I didn't have to add water, the hoses were already full of water, and I stuck the filter in about an inch, so it all started when I turned it on). I've added some photos of my canister filter and hose installation. It was difficult for me to find photos that would show the whole installation in detail. I hope they are helpful for other newbies. I now understand how it works, but had no idea at first. I hung the hoses on the back of the tank next to the wall. (The top of my tank is 1 ¾" from the wall, the glass part is 2" from the wall. I shortened my tubing to about 40" long. The tubing touches the wall a little, but I could turn them off by moving the filter.) I placed the filter just below the tank and connected it to an extension cord which makes it easy to turn on and off.I have the filter in a plastic box because I'm being paranoid but there was nowhere in the System leaks. It also makes cleaning easier when I spill water when removing the filter. After filling, the filter is almost silent. "Waterfall" from the tube sounds quite loud, but natural. I used three of the four aerator tubes to do that Keep pushing water into the tank. I collect some water from the holes of the tube and the rest flows out through the end. The turtle seems to be enjoying playing in the waterfall. The suction cup holders are suitable for h great for holding the waterfall tubes above the water (see image) but cannot hold the inlet tube in place. I put 4 but the Destructo Turtle easily pulls the pipe out of its mounts. It's still hooked overboard and barely moving, but I'm happy if I can block it and put gravel on the ground to distract it. . Five stars is not enough. Update** I've been running this filter every day for the past 3+ years. Still nice clear water. I use bio thread in each basket, bio sponge at the top of the bottom basket, activated charcoal at the top of the middle basket, and bio rings at the top of the top basket. I am still threading the side of the top basket.