The UNS Dual All-In-One (AIO) aquarium system is more than just a tank — it’s a canvas. Its minimalist design, integrated filtration, and versatile layout make it ideal for creating breathtaking aquascapes, supporting diverse aquatic life, and maintaining a stable ecosystem for years to come. But success with any aquarium goes beyond setup — it’s about thoughtful design, strategic stocking, and consistent long-term care.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to design and build a stunning aquascape, choose the right livestock, and establish a long-term maintenance routine that keeps your tank thriving.
1. Aquascaping in the Dual AIO: Building a Living Landscape
Aquascaping is both an art and a science. With the right planning, your UNS Dual AIO can become a captivating underwater world that’s beautiful, balanced, and biologically healthy.
Step 1: Plan Your Theme & Layout
Before placing a single rock or plant, decide on your aquascaping style. Here are three popular approaches that work beautifully with the UNS Dual AIO:
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Nature Aquarium (Iwugami or Ryuboku): Minimalist layouts inspired by landscapes, using rocks and driftwood to mimic natural scenes.
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Planted Jungle: Dense, lush plantings that transform the tank into a living forest. Great for freshwater and shrimp tanks.
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Reefscape: Sculptural rockwork and coral placement designed for marine life and water flow optimization.
Pro Tip: Sketch your design on paper before starting. This helps you visualize hardscape placement and prevents mid-build redesigns.
Step 2: Substrate & Hardscape Foundations
Substrate Selection:
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Freshwater Planted Tanks: Use nutrient-rich soil capped with sand or gravel for strong root development.
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Shrimp / Minimalist Setups: Fine-grain sand or inert substrate works well.
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Marine Tanks: Aragonite sand helps buffer pH and supports beneficial bacteria.
Hardscape Design Tips:
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Use the Rule of Thirds for composition — place main stones or driftwood slightly off-centre for a natural look.
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Create depth by layering substrate (higher at the back) and placing larger rocks toward the front.
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Anchor plants and mosses to driftwood or rock to build vertical interest and texture.
Pro Tip: Dry-fit your layout first. Once you add water, making changes is much harder.
Step 3: Planting & Detailing
Plant Selection by Zone:
|
Zone |
Plant Type |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Foreground |
Carpeting plants |
Monte Carlo, Dwarf Hairgrass |
|
Midground |
Bushy and stem plants |
Cryptocoryne, Hygrophila, Rotala |
|
Background |
Tall, fast-growing plants |
Vallisneria, Ludwigia, Bacopa |
|
Epiphytes |
Attached to wood/rock |
Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java Fern |
For reef setups, replace plants with soft corals or LPS that prefer similar light and flow patterns.
Once planted, mist everything with water to prevent drying before filling the tank.
2. Livestock Selection: Creating a Balanced Ecosystem
Choosing compatible and healthy livestock is key to a thriving UNS Dual AIO aquarium. Stock slowly, plan carefully, and always prioritise the ecosystem over quantity.
Freshwater Recommendations
Community Tank Favorites:
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Neon or Cardinal Tetras
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Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili)
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Corydoras catfish
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Otocinclus (algae control)
Feature Fish:
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Dwarf Gourami
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Betta (in peaceful community setups)
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Apistogramma or Ram cichlids
Invertebrates:
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Amano shrimp (algae eaters)
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Cherry shrimp (color & cleanup)
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Nerite snails (glass cleaners)
Stocking Tip: Start with clean-up crew and hardy fish first, then introduce more sensitive species over several weeks.
Marine & Reef Recommendations
Nano Reef Fish (under ~40L):
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Clownfish (Ocellaris, Percula)
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Firefish gobies
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Royal gramma
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Neon gobies
Invertebrates:
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Cleaner shrimp
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Nassarius and trochus snails
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Hermit crabs (caution: check coral safety)
Coral Choices for Beginners:
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Soft corals (Zoanthids, Xenia, Kenya tree)
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LPS corals (Frogspawn, Hammer, Candy cane)
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Mushrooms and Ricordea
💡 Compatibility Tip: Always research species interactions — some fish may nip at shrimp or corals, while others require specific tank sizes or hiding spots.
3. Long-Term Care: Building a Sustainable Aquarium
The most beautiful aquascape and well-stocked tank can fail without proper maintenance. Long-term care ensures stability, prevents algae outbreaks, and extends the life of your aquarium system.
🗓️ Weekly Maintenance Checklist
|
Task |
Description |
|---|---|
|
💧 Water Changes |
Replace 10–20% of water to remove nitrates and refresh trace elements. |
|
🧪 Parameter Testing |
Monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature. |
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🧽 Glass Cleaning |
Use a magnetic scraper or sponge to remove algae buildup. |
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🪣 Substrate Vacuuming |
Lightly siphon detritus from the substrate to prevent nutrient spikes. |
|
🔧 Check Equipment |
Ensure filter flow, heater, and lights are functioning properly. |
Monthly / Quarterly Maintenance
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Filter Maintenance: Rinse sponges and mechanical media, replace chemical media, and check biological media flow.
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Re-Scaping: Trim overgrown plants or frag corals to maintain structure and flow.
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Deep Clean: Inspect return pumps, tubing, and chambers for buildup and clean as needed.
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Parameter Reset: Consider testing GH, KH, phosphate, and other secondary parameters.
💡 Pro Tip: Stability is more important than perfection. Make small, regular adjustments rather than large, infrequent ones.
4. Troubleshooting Common Long-Term Issues
Even well-maintained tanks face occasional challenges. Here’s how to tackle them:
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Algae Outbreaks: Check lighting duration (8–10 hours), reduce feeding, and review nutrient levels. Add algae eaters or run phosphate media.
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Cloudy Water: Overfeeding, dirty filter media, or a bacterial bloom — perform partial water changes and rinse mechanical media.
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Stunted Plant Growth: Increase CO₂ injection or fertilisation, improve lighting, and ensure root health.
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Fish Stress or Loss: Test water parameters immediately, review compatibility, and check for disease signs.
💡 Preventative Rule: Test → Diagnose → Adjust gradually. Avoid making multiple big changes at once.
5. Enhancements & Advanced Techniques
Once your tank matures, you can take your UNS Dual AIO to the next level with advanced techniques:
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🌿 CO₂ Injection: Boost plant growth and color vibrancy in planted aquariums.
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🌊 Wave Makers: Enhance flow for reef tanks, improving coral health and nutrient transport.
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🪸 Auto Top-Off Systems: Maintain stable salinity in marine setups.
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🧪 Dosing Systems: Automate fertiliser or calcium/alkalinity additions.
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🌱 Refugium Integration: Grow macroalgae in the rear chamber for nutrient export.
Final Thoughts
The UNS Dual AIO isn’t just an aquarium — it’s a living ecosystem waiting to flourish. By combining thoughtful aquascape design, careful livestock selection, and consistent long-term maintenance, you can build a tank that not only thrives but becomes the centrepiece of any space.
Remember, great aquariums are never “finished” — they evolve. Plants mature, fish grow, and ecosystems balance over time. With patience and attention, your UNS Dual AIO will reward you with years of beauty, biodiversity, and enjoyment.
Quick Reference: UNS Dual AIO Success Formula
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Design a balanced, natural aquascape
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Choose compatible, healthy livestock
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Establish a consistent maintenance routine
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Monitor water chemistry regularly
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Upgrade with advanced tools as the tank matures
