UltraFlex Rack System

One Rack. Every Tank Size. Unlimited Possibilities.

For Freshwater & Saltwater Species Alike

When your research requires ultimate adaptability, the UltraFlex Rack System by Aquaneering delivers. Built for researchers who refuse to be constrained by tank size limitations, the UltraFlex is the most versatile aquatic housing platform in the Aquaneering portfolio—supporting an unprecedented range of tank sizes on a single system, from the smallest micro-tanks to large 30-gallon aquaria.

Featuring a robust 30-inch depth and equipped with the exact same advanced controls, sensors, and life-support capabilities as the double-sided AquaGenZ™ rack, the UltraFlex accommodates tank sizes ranging from 0.8L through 30 Gallons (120L)—enabling researchers to house larval zebrafish and adult axolotls on the same life-support system, or transition seamlessly between species without changing platforms.

One Platform. Infinite Research Possibilities.

The UltraFlex system is uniquely engineered to support a broad and diverse range of aquatic model organisms, regardless of their size or environmental requirements. Its integrated dosing and monitoring system maintains precise water chemistry parameters—salinity, pH, conductivity, temperature, and more—making it equally capable of sustaining freshwater and marine species.

Supported Research Species

The Science of Superior Water Quality

The filtration architecture of the UltraFlex Rack is engineered to the same exacting scientific standard as every system in the Aquaneering portfolio. The water treatment sequence is methodical, multi-stage, and designed to eliminate every category of aquatic contaminant before water is returned to the animals—regardless of tank size or species housed.

The UltraFlex Stand-Alone Filtration Flow

Water returning from all tanks—across every tank size installed on the rack—first collects in the on-rack sump, where the recirculation cycle begins. From the sump, water is directed into the Fluidized Bed Bio-Filter (FBB)—the biological core of the system. The FBB provides up to 10 times the colonizable surface area of conventional bio-filters, sustaining a dense population of nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate with exceptional efficiency, achieving undetectable ammonia levels. This stage is the same proven biological process employed in Aquaneering's largest institutional central filtration systems.

Following biological treatment, water flows by gravity through a titanium filter tray—the first mechanical filtration stage. This tray captures particulate matter and biological media before it can re-enter the water column, forming the first line of defense in Aquaneering's guaranteed zero-media-in-tanks assurance. The titanium construction ensures corrosion resistance and long service life in both freshwater and saltwater applications.

Water is then pumped through a sediment filter, which provides a final polishing stage to remove fine suspended particles that passed through earlier stages. The result is water of exceptional optical clarity and biological purity before it is returned to the tanks.

When configured as part of a multi-rack central filtration system, the UltraFlex rack connects to the central plant, which still utilizes the under-rack sump and employs an industrial-grade drum filter and FSI filters in place of the titanium tray and sediment filter—delivering the same scientific outcome at institutional scale.

Redefining Modularity & Efficiency

The Ultimate in Tank Flexibility — The UltraFlex system breaks the boundaries of traditional aquatic racks. It supports an unprecedented range of tank sizes simultaneously: 0.8L, 2.0L, 3.0L, 6.0L, 9.5L, 4 Gallon (16L), 10 Gallon (40L), 20 Gallon (80L), and 30 Gallon (120L). House larval zebrafish or adult axolotls on the same life-support system—without compromise.

Precision Water Chemistry for Every Species — UltraFlex features fully integrated automated dosing and monitoring—including salt and sodium bicarbonate dosing—to maintain the precise salinity, pH, conductivity, and temperature profiles required by your species, whether freshwater, brackish, or marine.

Zero Media in Tanks—Guaranteed — The multi-stage mechanical filtration sequence described above guarantees that no media ever reaches your tanks—regardless of species, tank size, or water type.

A Single Controller for Total Command — A single Beckhoff PLC controller manages the entire rack from one power plug, enabling all smart components to communicate seamlessly, make automatic adjustments, and alert operators to any potential failures. Individual circuit breakers protect pumps, dosing equipment, and electronics.

System Specifications at a Glance

Feature, Advantage & Benefit (FAB) Matrix

Built for Today's Labs. Ready for Tomorrow.

The diversity of aquatic model organisms in modern biomedical research is expanding rapidly. From the genetic tractability of zebrafish to the regenerative biology of axolotl, from the marine developmental models of sea urchins to the neurological insights offered by lamprey—today's researchers need a system that can keep pace with the breadth of their science and the full range of tank sizes their animals require.

The UltraFlex Rack isn't just a housing solution—it's a tool that empowers your research to reach new heights. With unmatched adaptability for both micro and macro tanks, superior water quality, and precision environmental control, UltraFlex is the ultimate choice for researchers who refuse to compromise.

Your Rack, Ready When You Are. Aquaneering has invested in mass-producing UltraFlex shelf assemblies for inventory, meaning your system does not wait for a production queue. Pre-made, standardized shelf assemblies are built and held in stock so that complete rack configurations can be assembled and shipped in as little as one week from the date of your order. Whether your program is expanding to accommodate a new species or scaling up an existing colony, Aquaneering's inventory-ready production model ensures your research is never delayed by your equipment.