Optimising Filtration & Media in the Dual AIO System

The UNS Dual All-In-One (AIO) Aquarium System is designed to deliver powerful, integrated filtration without the need for bulky external equipment. While the built-in filter system already does an excellent job “out of the box,” fine-tuning it for your livestock, aquascape, and water chemistry can dramatically improve water quality, system stability, and long-term success.

This comprehensive guide walks you through how the Dual AIO filtration system works, how to choose and layer media for peak performance, and advanced techniques for customising the system to suit freshwater and reef setups alike.

1. Understanding the Dual AIO Filtration System

The Dual AIO system integrates filtration into the rear of the tank, creating a compact, all-in-one unit that keeps hardware hidden and reduces clutter. Water is drawn from the display into the back chamber, processed through several filtration stages, and returned clean and oxygenated to the tank.

Core Filtration Stages

1. Surface Skimming & Overflow

   • Water flows over the intake weir, pulling surface oils and debris into the filtration system.

   • This ensures better gas exchange and prevents protein film from forming.

    

2. Mechanical Filtration (First Stage)

   • Sponge or filter floss captures suspended debris, uneaten food, and detritus.

   • Regular cleaning here is essential to prevent clogs and maintain flow.

    

3. Biological Filtration (Second Stage)

   • Porous ceramic media or bio-blocks provide a home for beneficial bacteria.

   • These bacteria break down toxic ammonia → nitrite → nitrate, forming the backbone of your tank’s nitrogen cycle.

    

4. Chemical Filtration (Optional Third Stage)

   • Activated carbon, phosphate removers, or specialty resins remove dissolved organics, tannins, or toxins.

   • This stage is not always required but is highly effective for water polishing and algae control.

    

5. Return Chamber & Pump

   • Clean water is pumped back into the display through the adjustable return nozzle.

   • Flow direction and velocity can be customised to suit plant or coral needs.

    

💡 Pro Tip: Because the Dual AIO is modular, you can easily rearrange or swap filtration components to meet your tank’s evolving needs — from high-bioload freshwater aquascapes to nutrient-sensitive reef systems.

2. Optimising Mechanical Filtration

Mechanical filtration is the first line of defence against water cloudiness and detritus buildup. Its role is to physically remove particles before they can break down into ammonia.

Best Practices:

• Use fine filter floss or sponges to trap debris. Finer materials capture more particles but clog faster — balance is key.

• Clean weekly by rinsing in old tank water (never tap water) to preserve beneficial bacteria.

• Consider multi-layer media: Coarse sponge → medium pad → fine floss. This staged approach prevents premature clogging.

Pro Tip: If you keep messy fish (like goldfish or large cichlids) or feed heavily, upgrading your mechanical filtration is one of the easiest ways to keep water crystal clear.

3. Maximising Biological Filtration Efficiency

Biological filtration is the engine of stability in any aquarium. Beneficial bacteria colonise porous media and convert toxic waste into less harmful forms.

Media Selection

• Ceramic Rings: Classic and widely used, offering high surface area and durability.

• Sintered Glass or Porous Bio-Blocks: Offer significantly more surface area — ideal for high-bioload or reef tanks.

• Marine-Grade Bio Bricks: Excellent for long-term bacterial housing and nitrate reduction.

Tips for Maximum Efficiency

• Rinse new media before use to remove dust.

• Avoid over-cleaning: Rinse only when necessary and always in tank water.

• Don’t mix new and old media simultaneously: Replacing too much at once can cause mini-cycles.

• Maximise water contact: Arrange media loosely to ensure good flow and oxygen delivery.

Pro Tip: Pair biological media with a refugium section (if possible) for even more nutrient export. Macroalgae and bio-media work synergistically to maintain ultra-stable water chemistry.

4. Fine-Tuning Chemical Filtration

While not strictly necessary, chemical media can greatly enhance water clarity and quality by targeting dissolved contaminants.

Common Chemical Media Options:

• Activated Carbon: Removes tannins, odours, and yellowing compounds. Great for planted tanks or after using medications.

• Phosphate Removers (GFO): Helps control algae by reducing phosphate levels — ideal for reef aquariums.

• Purigen / Adsorptive Resins: Absorb organic waste before it breaks down, polishing water to near-invisible clarity.

Pro Tips:

• Replace chemical media every 3–6 weeks depending on bioload and water parameters.

• Always run chemical media after mechanical and biological stages for maximum contact time and efficiency.

• Don’t overuse — excessive chemical filtration can strip beneficial nutrients from the water.

When to Use Chemical Media:

• During algae blooms

• After medicating fish

• In tanks with frequent tannin release (e.g., driftwood-heavy aquascapes)

• In ultra-low-nutrient reef systems

5. Advanced Filtration Upgrades & Customisation

The Dual AIO’s modular layout means you’re not limited to the stock configuration. As your aquarium matures, you can integrate more advanced filtration options for peak performance.

Popular Upgrades:

• Media Towers / Caddies: Layer multiple filtration types vertically in a compact space.

• Filter Socks: Capture micro-particles and polish water in reef systems.

• Refugium Chambers: Grow macroalgae for nutrient export and natural nitrate reduction.

• Mini Protein Skimmers: Excellent for nano reef setups to control dissolved organics.

• UV Steriliser Modules: Help eliminate free-floating algae, bacteria, and parasites.

Custom Flow Control:

Adjusting pump speed, nozzle direction, and return flow can help optimise filtration performance — ensuring every drop of water passes efficiently through each stage.

6. Maintenance & Long-Term Care

Even the best filtration setup will fail without regular maintenance. A simple schedule keeps your system running at peak efficiency:

Pro Tip: Keep a log of water parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate) — it’s the best way to track how well your filtration is performing.

Final Thoughts

The UNS Dual AIO System is far more than a simple plug-and-play aquarium — it’s a flexible, powerful platform you can tune to suit any setup. By carefully selecting and layering media, customising your filtration flow, and maintaining it regularly, you’ll enjoy clearer water, healthier livestock, and a more stable ecosystem for years to come.

Whether you’re growing lush freshwater plants, maintaining delicate shrimp colonies, or cultivating a thriving nano reef, mastering filtration is the key to unlocking your aquarium’s full potential.

Quick Optimisation Checklist

• Use multi-layer mechanical media for efficient debris capture

• Maximise biological surface area with high-porosity media

• Run chemical filtration strategically — not constantly

• Clean filter components without harming beneficial bacteria

• Upgrade with refugium, skimmer, or media towers as needed

• Track water parameters to fine-tune performance