The UNS Dual All-In-One (AIO) Aquarium series is designed to make aquascaping and aquarium keeping more accessible than ever — combining minimalist design with built-in filtration, a spacious display area, and effortless maintenance. Whether you’re a beginner setting up your first tank or a seasoned aquarist building a new scape, this guide will walk you through every stage of the journey — from unboxing to cycling and beyond.
1. Unboxing & Preparation
Before diving into the setup, it’s important to take a few minutes to carefully unbox and inspect your aquarium and components. Doing this properly will save time and prevent issues later.
Unboxing Checklist
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Inspect the aquarium glass for cracks, chips, or shipping damage.
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Check filtration chambers and removable parts (sponges, media baskets, return pump).
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Ensure all accessories (return nozzle, media tower, lid, etc.) are present.
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Clean the tank interior with a damp, lint-free cloth — no soap or chemicals.
Pro Tip: Place the tank on a level, sturdy stand capable of supporting its full weight when filled (water weighs ~1 kg per litre). Uneven surfaces can cause stress fractures over time.
2. Positioning & Installing Equipment
Where you place your aquarium is just as important as how you set it up.
Placement Tips
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Avoid direct sunlight to prevent algae overgrowth.
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Choose a stable, vibration-free surface.
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Ensure easy access to power outlets and maintenance space behind the tank.
Equipment Setup
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Return Pump: Install the included pump in the rear chamber, ensuring the outlet faces the return nozzle.
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Nozzle & Flow Direction: Position the outflow nozzle to create good water movement without excessive surface agitation.
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Heater: Place it in the return chamber (or media chamber if space allows) for even heat distribution.
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Lighting: Mount an LED light appropriate for your livestock (plants or corals). Most AIO tanks don’t include lighting, so choose one suited to your tank’s depth and inhabitants.
Pro Tip: If you plan to grow macroalgae or use a refugium, consider installing a refugium light over one of the filtration chambers to help nutrient export.
3. Aquascaping: Substrate & Hardscape Setup
Aquascaping is the creative heart of aquarium keeping. Planning your layout before adding water makes planting, scaping, and equipment placement much easier
Substrate
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For freshwater: Choose a nutrient-rich planted substrate or inert sand/gravel with root tabs.
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For reef: Use aragonite sand for buffering and biological support.
Hardscape
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Add rocks and driftwood securely, making sure they’re stable and not touching the glass.
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Create depth with foreground, midground, and background layers.
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Consider leaving space for planting or coral placement later.
Pro Tip: Arrange hardscape before adding water and use aquarium-safe glue or epoxy if necessary to stabilise structures.
4. Filling & Conditioning the Water
Once your layout is ready, it’s time to fill your tank.
Step-by-Step:
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Place a plate or plastic bag on the substrate to avoid disturbing it.
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Slowly fill the tank with dechlorinated water (freshwater) or pre-mixed saltwater (marine).
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Check for leaks, proper water flow, and ensure water levels are correct in all filtration chambers.
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Turn on the return pump and heater to begin circulation.
Water Tips:
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Freshwater: Use a quality water conditioner and test for pH, KH, and GH.
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Saltwater: Aim for a salinity of 1.024–1.026 SG using a refractometer.
5. Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle
Before adding fish or corals, your tank must go through the nitrogen cycle, a natural process that establishes beneficial bacteria to break down toxic ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate.
Cycling Basics
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Ammonia (NH₃) → produced from fish waste or decomposing organics
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Nitrite (NO₂⁻) → bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite
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Nitrate (NO₃⁻) → further bacteria convert nitrite into nitrate
This cycle typically takes 4–6 weeks but can be accelerated with bottled bacteria or seeding media from an established tank.
Cycling Steps:
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Add an ammonia source: Fish food, pure ammonia, or bottled starter kits.
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Test water weekly: Monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
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Wait until: Ammonia and nitrite read 0 ppm, and nitrates begin to rise.
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Perform a 25–50% water change before adding livestock.
Tip: Patience is key — rushing this step is the most common cause of fish deaths in new aquariums.
6. Introducing Livestock Safely
Once your tank is cycled, you’re ready to introduce life — but do it slowly and strategically.
Stocking Tips
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Add only a few fish or invertebrates at a time to avoid overwhelming the biological filter.
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Quarantine new additions when possible.
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Research species compatibility and avoid overstocking.
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For planted tanks, start with hardy plants (Anubias, Java fern, Vallisneria).
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For reefs, begin with soft corals or hardy LPS before moving to more demanding species.
Pro Tip: If possible, introduce your cleanup crew (snails, shrimp, algae eaters) before fish to help control early algae growth.
7. Routine Maintenance & Care
A successful aquarium is about consistency. Establishing a simple maintenance routine early will keep your UNS Dual AIO healthy and stable.
Weekly Tasks
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10–20% water change
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Glass cleaning
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Parameter testing (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, temperature)
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Top up evaporated water with RO/DI water (for saltwater)
Monthly Tasks
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Rinse or replace filter sponges and media (in tank water, not tap water)
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Check pump and nozzle for blockages
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Trim plants or frag corals as needed
Pro Tip: Keep a simple logbook or app record of water tests and maintenance — it helps you spot patterns and solve problems faster.
Final Thoughts
The UNS Dual All-In-One Aquarium makes it easier than ever to create a stunning aquascape or reef environment with integrated filtration, minimalist design, and maximum functionality. With careful setup, proper cycling, and regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy a thriving, stable ecosystem that’s as rewarding as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re building a lush freshwater jungle or a vibrant nano reef, following this guide will set you on the path to success — from day one and for years to come.
Quick Setup Checklist
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Inspect and level the tank
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Install pump, heater, and nozzle
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Plan aquascape and substrate
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Fill and condition water
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Begin nitrogen cycle
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Test regularly until cycled
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Add livestock gradually
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Maintain weekly and monthly care routines
