Coral Zoning & Aquascape Layout in UNS Reef Systems: Maximising Growth & Aesthetics

Designing a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about choosing the right corals — it’s about creating a carefully planned layout that supports their growth, health, and long-term stability. read more
Designing a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about choosing the right corals — it’s about creating a carefully planned layout that supports their growth, health, and long-term stability. read less

Precision Parameter Control: Dialling in Water Chemistry for High-Performance Reef Systems

Maintaining a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about lighting, flow, or aquascape — the real success happens at the chemical level. read more
Maintaining a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about lighting, flow, or aquascape — the real success happens at the chemical level. read less

Scaling Up: Transitioning from a Standard Reef Tank to a UNS Full Reef System

Upgrading from a standard reef aquarium to a UNS Full Reef System is one of the most exciting steps in an aquarist’s journey. It’s a leap from hobbyist-level reef keeping to a professional-grade se... read more
Upgrading from a standard reef aquarium to a UNS Full Reef System is one of the most exciting steps in an aquarist’s journey. It’s a leap from hobbyist-level reef keeping to a professional-grade setup — one that offers greater capacity, better system stability, and the flexibility to support complex coral ecosystems. read less

Coral Zoning & Aquascape Layout in UNS Reef Systems: Maximising Growth & Aesthetics

Designing a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about choosing the right corals — it’s about creating a carefully planned layout that supports their growth, health, and long-term stability. read more
Designing a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about choosing the right corals — it’s about creating a carefully planned layout that supports their growth, health, and long-term stability. read less

Precision Parameter Control: Dialling in Water Chemistry for High-Performance Reef Systems

Maintaining a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about lighting, flow, or aquascape — the real success happens at the chemical level. read more
Maintaining a thriving reef aquarium isn’t just about lighting, flow, or aquascape — the real success happens at the chemical level. read less

Scaling Up: Transitioning from a Standard Reef Tank to a UNS Full Reef System

Upgrading from a standard reef aquarium to a UNS Full Reef System is one of the most exciting steps in an aquarist’s journey. It’s a leap from hobbyist-level reef keeping to a professional-grade se... read more
Upgrading from a standard reef aquarium to a UNS Full Reef System is one of the most exciting steps in an aquarist’s journey. It’s a leap from hobbyist-level reef keeping to a professional-grade setup — one that offers greater capacity, better system stability, and the flexibility to support complex coral ecosystems. read less

Have Questions About UNS Full Reef Systems?
We Have Answers.

Get quick answers to common questions about UNS Full Reef Systems

What makes UNS Full Reef Systems different from standard aquariums?

UNS Full Reef Systems are designed specifically for advanced reef aquarists who demand professional-grade performance. Unlike standard aquariums, each UNS system features ultra-clear low-iron glass, seamless rimless construction, and precision-engineered plumbing with an integrated sump. The result is a complete, reef-ready platform optimised for high-flow circulation, nutrient export, and equipment integration — ideal for complex SPS-dominated or mixed-reef ecosystems.

Are UNS reef systems suitable for SPS-dominated tanks?

Yes. These systems are engineered to meet the strict requirements of SPS coral environments. The integrated sump provides ample space for high-capacity protein skimmers, calcium reactors, and dosing systems, while the overflow and return design ensure stable, high-flow dynamics. This makes UNS Full Reef Systems ideal for maintaining the consistent water quality and flow rates that sensitive SPS species require.

Do UNS Full Reef Systems come with pre-installed plumbing?

Most UNS reef systems include pre-assembled plumbing components, significantly reducing setup time and complexity. The overflow, return lines, and unions are pre-configured for optimal performance and minimal noise. This plug-and-play approach allows you to focus on equipment selection and system tuning rather than custom plumbing fabrication.

Can I customise the sump or filtration layout?

Absolutely. While the sump is included and optimised for reef performance, its modular design allows for full customisation. You can easily integrate advanced filtration components such as media reactors, refugia, UV sterilisation units, or roller filters. The generous equipment chamber design also supports dosing systems, ATO reservoirs, and controller probes without compromising flow or stability.

Are UNS reef aquariums compatible with automated control systems?

Yes — these systems are fully compatible with advanced aquarium controllers and monitoring platforms such as Neptune Apex, GHL ProfiLux, or Hydros. The integrated sump and plumbing architecture allow for straightforward probe placement, dosing line routing, and sensor installation, enabling precise control over water parameters and automated maintenance routines.

What sizes and configurations are available?

The UNS Full Reef range spans multiple display sizes, from compact systems like the R60 (approx. 45 g total volume) to large-scale platforms like the R180 (approx. 185 g total volume). Each size is designed with proportionally matched sump capacity, glass thickness, and flow dynamics, allowing aquarists to scale their setup to suit livestock requirements and available space.

How do UNS Full Reef Systems support nutrient export?

Each system’s sump is designed to support a multi-stage filtration approach, enabling mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration in sequence. Ample chamber space allows for oversized skimmers, macroalgae refugia, and dedicated media reactors, while optimised flow paths enhance contact time and nutrient removal efficiency — essential for maintaining ultra-low nutrient levels in high-demand reef systems.

Are UNS reef aquariums suitable for beginners?

While UNS Full Reef Systems are technically advanced and designed for experienced reef keepers, motivated beginners with a strong understanding of marine aquarium fundamentals can also succeed. However, due to the complexity and customisation potential of these systems, they are best suited to aquarists who are comfortable managing parameters, equipment integration, and advanced coral husbandry.

What maintenance requirements should I expect?

Maintenance requirements are typical of high-performance reef systems: regular glass cleaning, skimmer servicing, filter media changes, and sump inspection are recommended. Because UNS systems provide easy access via magnetic panels and a well-organised sump layout, routine maintenance is more efficient. Advanced users can further reduce manual work by integrating automation equipment such as dosing pumps, ATO units, and filter rollers.

Expert Reef Systems for Serious Aquarists

Building a thriving reef aquarium is about more than choosing a tank — it’s about creating a stable, controlled environment where corals and marine life can truly flourish. UNS Full Reef Systems provide the precision and performance advanced aquarists need. Crafted from ultra-clear, low-iron glass with a seamless rimless design, they deliver exceptional clarity and a clean, unobstructed view of your reef.

Each system is engineered for efficiency and control. The integrated sump and pre-plumbed overflow maximise nutrient export and water movement, while spacious filtration chambers accommodate large skimmers, media reactors, refugia, and dosing systems. This flexibility allows precise water chemistry management — essential for SPS-dominated or mixed-reef aquariums.

Built for long-term reliability, UNS reef systems feature corrosion-resistant aluminium stands with magnetic access panels for easy maintenance. Every model is designed to support heavy bioloads, advanced equipment, and continuous operation — meeting the demands of complex reef environments.

Whether you’re creating a nutrient-controlled SPS display or a diverse coral ecosystem, UNS Full Reef Systems offer the scalability, strength, and control needed for professional reef keeping. Explore the full range at Charterhouse Aquatics and build a reef system engineered for long-term success.