ADA stands for Aqua Design Amano, the company founded by renowned aquascaper Takashi Amano.
While Amano passed in 2015, his ADA brand continues driving innovation in high-technology planted tanks as well as Nature Aquarium artistic philosophy. For devoted planted aquarium hobbyists, owning an ADA aquarium system represents the ultimate dream.
This article will cover ADA’s history, explain what makes their products the gold standard, survey ADA aquarium lines, provide care guidelines to mimic ADA’s lush show tanks, and answer frequently asked questions about these apex systems for lush planted tanks.
The Legacy of ADA Aquariums
ADA stands upon the pillars of one man’s vision – Takashi Amano, founder of the Nature Aquarium style. After starting Japan’s first aquarium plant specialty store in 1982, Amano fractures the hobby by introducing the radically different Nature Aquarium concept in several books.
While controversial at first, Amano’s nature-inspired minimalist planted designs created with Japanese stones, spiderwood, and lush plants would completely reinvent the global planted tank hobby by the mid 1990s.
To keep up with demand, Amano founded Aqua Design Amano Co., Ltd. In 1997, focusing exclusively on planted aquariums. ADA would proceed to release a series of rimless glass aquariums with unparalleled clarity specifically designed for Dutch and Nature Aquarium planted layouts from 2 gallons up to massive custom sizes.
While many aquarium manufacturers have caught up in quality, ADA retains the reputation as the pinnacle of high-clarity rimless tanks thanks to Amano’s legacy. The range of ADA substrates, fertilizers, CO2 systems, and accessories that complete the ecosystem further cement them as the apex systems for devoted planted tank keepers.
What Makes ADA Products Unique?
So what exactly elevates ADA above the competition and makes their products every planted aquarist’s dream?
Unsurpassed Glass Clarity – Multiple specialized processes ensure ADA’s thick rimless glass panels have unrivaled optical clarity to create illusion of boundless water walls.
Specialist Planted Tank Design – From dimensions to bracing to hardware, all aspects of ADA aquariums are designed specifically for aesthetically arranging aquatic plants.
Artisanal Japanese Craftsmanship – ADA products are crafted in Japan using extensive hand-worked finishing for quality exceeding industrial mass production.
Product Ecosystem – The extensive interlocking spectrum of ADA substrates, fertilizers, CO2 systems creates a complete ecosystem supporting Nature Aquarium goals.
Rare Natural Materials – Exotic and intensely mineralized natural substrates and stone reflect Japan’s unique geology not found with other brands.
Pro Aquascaping Focus – Everything from glass design to kit dimensions targets professional layout designers’ needs rather than mere hobbyists.
By leveraging these advantages, ADA has cemented itself as the apex aquarium brand for planted tank artists and connoisseurs chasing aquatic garden dreams.
ADA Aquarium Lines
While coveted, ADA aquariums themselves also have practical advantages. ADA offers multiple aquarium product lines designed for specific high-level planted layouts:
Here is a table summarizing the different ADA aquarium product lines and models:
| ADA Aquarium Line | Description | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| NA Series | Ultra-clear, rimless tanks for pro Nature Aquarium layouts | 60P (17 gal), 90P (29 gal), 120P (48 gal), 180P (72 gal), 240P (96 gal), custom sizes |
| Do!aqua Series | Smaller rimless cubes & rectangles for hobbyists | Halza 3 (0.8 gal), MSE 60 (6 gal cube), Titan 13.5 (13.5 gal) |
| Cube Garden Series | All-in-one nanocubes with filtration & LEDs | Cube Garden 30C (4 gal), 45F (12 gal), 90F (29 gal) |
With sizes from pico desktop cubes to living room partition masterpieces, ADA’s rimless glass sets the bar for distorted optics, resilient silicon construction, and refinements specifically benefiting immersed aquascaping.
Path to an ADA-Style Planted Aquarium
Given their artisanal Japanese craftsmanship infused by Nature Aquarium founder Takashi Amano himself, ADA brand aquariums rightfully cost a premium.
What about budget-focused hobbyists still wanting to mimic the style and lush planted glory of ADA’s breathtaking showroom display aquariums?
The specialized ecosystem methodologies and aquascape techniques perfected by Amano still apply using less exclusive equipment:
Substrate System
Use layered nutrient-rich substrates with ADA Aquasoil equivalents like Controsoil or Brightwell. Add Powersand for slopes and contours.
High Intensity Lighting
Light drives aquarium plant growth and coloration. Use 2+ watts of full spectrum LED lighting per gallon.
Pressurized CO2 Injection Maintain 25-30ppm carbon to maximize plant mass and health. Diffuse via ceramic disc, Venturi or reactor.
Complete Fertilizer Dosing Provides all macros and micros plants need. Alternate between water column and root tab placement.
64x-96x Filtration Turnover
10x turnover or more prevents toxin accumulation for heavily planted tanks. Use inline CO2 reactors.
Amano Shrimp/Otocinclus Help devour nuisance algae and limit maintenance needs.
Even without brand name recognition, you can still actualize much of the Nature Aquarium ecology in your own tank. Prime liquidation deals on ADA products do pop up occasionally for the most devoted collectors!
ADA Aquariums FAQ
How much do ADA aquarium setups cost?
Due to being handcrafted in Japan, ADA aquariums demand premium pricing. Small starter kits range from $250-500, while large rare rimless tanks can cost $1,500+. Complete ecosystems easily exceed $5,000+.
What is the best Aquasoil alternative?
Many aquarists looking to mimic ADA Amazonia Aquasoil’s planting benefits use CaribSea’s Eco-Complete Planted Black, Controsoil, Brightwell or UNS Aquasoil. While not exact copies, these provide similar cation exchange capacity and mineralization to support lush growth.
Do I need CO2 injection for an ADA-inspired aquascape?
Most ADA display layouts and competition aquascapes rely on CO2 injection to maximize plant health. However, beautiful aquascape layouts can be created with specialized liquid carbon supplements and careful plant/light balancing.
Can I get ADA products cheaper second-hand?
Yes, passionate hobbyists will occasionally liquidate used ADA products through forums, store listings or auction sites when tearing down displays. While risky compared to new, significant cost savings make it worthwhile for budget hobbyists.
Conclusion
ADA aquariums and products represent the apex dreams of devoted planted aquarium artisans thanks to brand founder Takashi Amano’s legacy pioneering the Nature Aquarium style. While premium priced, the crystal glass clarity, tailored dimensions, interlocking aquatic ecosystem, and painstaking Japanese craftsmanship explain why ADAgear costs a premium.
However, hobbyists need not break the bank to enjoy similarly lush planted displays. Using inspiration from Amano’s groundbreaking aquascaping techniques and approximating the ADA mineralized substrate and water column dosing methodology allows DIY high-tech planted displays to flourish on a budget.
In the end, it is not equipment but artistic inspiration, a curiosity about aquatic horticulture, and willingness to become absorbed by this living art that matters most of all to master the vivid leafy visions ADA representations evoke within us all.
