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The story of Takashi Amano and ADA

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The history of Aqua Design Amano (ADA) is inextricably linked to the personal achievements of its founder, Takashi Amano. The ingenious photographer, designer and aquascaper has had a decisive influence not only on the development of his company ADA, but also on the development of aquaristics as a whole.

The life of Takashi Amano - the early years

Even as a young boy, Takashi Amano, born in 1954 in Niigata, Japan, was very interested in nature. He would play for hours with his friends in the shallow waters of his homeland, and he was already observing various relationships intently as a child. He also tried his hand at aquaristics at home with his modest means, but he failed again and again.

In particular, keeping aquatic plants in the aquarium proved to be extremely difficult, although he noticed early on that the fish in the tank fared much better in the presence of live plants. His urge to research was aroused, and soon he had better results in keeping aquatic plants in the aquarium - among other things, he discovered that the presence of_CO2 in the aquarium gives better results in the plants, what kind of light aquarium plants prefer, and what substrate gives better results. The natural aquarium was born!

What is the Nature Aquarium?

The Nature Aquarium, or natural aquarium, can be traced back to Takashi Amano and still enjoys the highest popularity in aquascaping today. Unlike, for example, the Holland Aquarium, in which practically only plants are used, the decoration, i.e. the hardscape of natural stones and roots, plays a very important role in the Nature Aquarium. With natural materials, basic structures are built here, which then get their final appearance as an aquarium layout through plants.

Here, not only are underwater scenes recreated in the aquarium, but also above-water landscapes are translated into the underwater world, so to speak. Healthy plants and a discreet aquarium stocking with fish or invertebrates, which should feel as comfortable as possible in the respective layout, play a major role here in addition to the artistically arranged hardscape.

Success as an author

In the 1980s, Takashi Amano successfully wrote articles about the natural aquarium for various aquaristic magazines. He made his methods of plant husbandry and plant aquaristics known, and as early as 1983 he advocated the use of yamato shrimp (then Caridina japonica, now Caridina multidentata) against algae. Today, however, these shrimps are no longer known by this name, but are represented as Amano shrimps in many planted aquariums all over the world, where they still excel as thread algae eaters par excellence. They were named after Takashi Amano, who made them famous.

Aqua Design Amano

The name Aqua Design Amano first appeared in 1984, when Takashi Amano opened his eponymous aquarium store in the Japanese city of Terao. Here there was the first large exhibition of natural aquariums, which attracted many people. Also the ADA logo can be seen above this store for the first time. Thus the brand ADA was born.

Developments in aquarium technology

Takashi Amano always came up against technical or aesthetic limitations in his natural aquaristics - either the appropriate equipment such as_{CO2 systems} or suitable lighting did not exist at all, or they were not sophisticated, inefficient - or simply ugly and impractical. So the resourceful mind had to come up with its own solutions, and so the ADA brand range began to grow.

Here were revolutionary developments such as ADA's first pH controller, which kept the pH in the aquarium optimal by_{adding CO2}, while also supplying carbon dioxide to the plants for better growth. Unfortunately, this device was not sufficiently appreciated in 1985 because aquarists were not yet ready to see plants as more than just a pretty addition. Today, pH controllers are commonplace in aquascaping, for example.

in 1986, ADA published its first main catalog - a sensation at the time. An entire catalog that contained aquarium technology for planted aquariums, that was new. In his texts, Amano increasingly addresses the natural biological relationships in the aquarium and explains how and why an aquarium can run in a biologically stable manner. Among other things, he also resorts to the then-modern medium of the poster, and his large-format "The Balance of Nature" is very popular with aquarists.

in 1987, ADA launches the first_{CO2 fertilizer system} for aquariums. The precise dosage is a novelty and causes a sensation in the aquaristic world. The year 1987 also sees the development of the first fertilizers specifically for aquarium plants at ADA, the Green Brighty Series, followed by the bottom fertilizer ADA Power Sand, which is still in use today.

The nineties

In the 90s the first biological filter media follow. In addition, of course, the existing technology for the aquarium is constantly being developed further.

in 1992 ADA changes from a brand to a company. The first stainless steel tools are developed, the long tweezers of the Pinsettes series.

The foundation of the company in 1993 is accompanied by a revision of the packaging design - the decision is made for high-quality, simple and noble. Other tools such as scissors and glass aquarium accessories such as the famous Lily Pipe, the Pollen Glass and the Glass Counter for_CO2 were developed, closely followed by the first aquarium lighting designed specifically for the needs of aquatic plants, the NA Lamp, which was built with the help of Panasonic and was based on Takashi Amano's observations of light behavior under water. The Nature Aquarium Goods product family was born.

The year 1994 saw the development of a beautifully designed, handsome_{CO2 reusable bottle}, the Tower. ADA's prestigious corporate building in Niigata, Japan, is also completed this year. in 1995 and 1996, the Cube Garden aquarium series goes into production, frameless aquariums made of almost completely transparent white glass that really set the stage for natural aquariums.

Aqua Soil, the active plant soil that is now an indispensable part of aquascaping, is launched in 1996. The substrate proves to be almost perfect for keeping any aquarium plants, it stabilizes the pH and provides soft water - perfect conditions for most tropical aquarium plants and also for soft water fish and shrimps from soft water biotopes. Aqua Soil is already fertilized in a plant-friendly way and ensures unique plant growth. A perfect addition to the Aqua Design Amano range!

In the accessories sector, events are overturning. Many new products are added by the turn of the millennium: glassware,_{CO2 accessories}, tools, the Super Jet filter with elegant metal tubes, the fertilizer series is further developed and expanded ... the 90s are the decade of the ADA company!

The turn of the millennium

Even in the 2000s, Takashi Amano is not a bit quiet. The technology is further developed: In lighting, the Grand Solar Series follow, which are once again significantly brighter and allow beautiful plant layouts in the natural aquarium. Further tools, fertilizer series, additional substrate bases, decorative sand and further aquarium additives such as Tourmaline BC and Bacter 100 complete the ADA range over the years.

in 2001 Amano fulfills a dream in his private house: A 4 meter long tank is installed - here he can let off steam! In 2003 the Nature Aquarium Gallery, or NA Gallery for short, is opened in ADA's company building. Here, an overwhelming number of Takashi Amano's natural aquariums are live for viewing. The layouts are professionally and devotedly maintained by the staff, and with a little luck you can even look over the shoulder of the master himself here in the temple of natural aquaristics.

In 2008, the Do!Aqua series is launched - here there are aquascaping accessories aimed at beginners - the prices are lower, the designs are a bit simpler, but in terms of quality, Amano does not compromise here either.

In 2011, ADA includes in its assortment decorative materials such as aquarium stones (the famous Unzan Stones) and special roots. This product range is also further expanded and refined over the years.

ADA's product development continues in 2013. Base cabinets and a high-quality lining line complete the range. The AQUASKY light with LED technology, which was still very new at the time, caused a sensation, followed by the AQUASKY MOON with its innovative mirror glass insert.

Amano, ADA and the media

As traditional as master photographer Takashi Amano was in choosing his "large format" photo format, he was open to new media and forms of communication. Traditional forms such as printed articles and books were soon supplemented by posters, and by 1990 Amano was already turning to the new medium of video. Under the title "Nature Aquarium World," he releases a video film that attracts worldwide attention. In the course of his many research expeditions, Takashi Amano collects an incredible amount of photo and video material. He also photographs his own creations in natural aquaristics with great passion and highly professionally, and he takes aquarium photography to a new level.

in 1992, Amano's famous book "Glass no Naka no Daishizen" is published, a book of photographs that is soon translated into several languages and thus very quickly becomes the "bible" of natural aquaristics worldwide. This year also sees the first "Aquatic Plant Layout Video Contest", a forerunner of today's IAPLC (Aquatic Plant Layout Contest) and its offshoots.

in 1994, the Aqua Journal is published for the first time, a magazine that ADA edits and publishes and which - with interruptions - continues to this day. It is about new developments in the field of plant aquaristics, about new products of ADA, about Takashi Amano's life and work and about beautiful pictures of great aquariums and aquascapes.

in 1995, the IAPLC is launched in its current form and is distributed accordingly in print and online. Here photos of aquascapes are sent in and judged by a jury of experts. There are valuable prizes to be won at this world championship of aquascaping, but the reputation in the scene is even more important for the winners. Winning or even placing in Takashi Amano's competition is the accolade for any aquarium designer!

in 1996 ADA promotes itself at the Interzoo in Nuremberg. This international trade fair is the largest in the world and creates quite a stir for the Takashi Amanos company. The official website of ADA also goes online in 1996.

Participation in other trade fairs also ensures the spread and increasing awareness of ADA's high-quality products. Seminars are held worldwide and many photo exhibitions follow, as well as numerous publications - books, magazines, professional articles, photo books.

The awards ceremony at the IAPLC has been streamed live on the Internet since 2011, so that even remote aquascaping enthusiasts can join the NA party.

Takashi Amano, thanks to his many years of experience with show tanks and large aquariums, is asked to set up a very large show tank at the Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo in 2012. To this day, this show tank exists and its beauty is one of the attractions of the public aquarium.

The crowning achievement of Takashi Amano's life's work

in 2013, the go-ahead was given for the design of two extremely large show tanks at the Oceanario de Lisboa. The larger of the two has an edge length of 40 meters. As it turns out, this aquarium will be the master's crowning achievement and also his last great work - Takashi Amano is critically ill. The giant natural aquarium will be set up and inaugurated in 2015 with the help of dozens of volunteers. Takashi Amano is present at the inauguration, already clearly marked by his illness.

In August 2015, Takashi Amano died in his hometown of Maki. His biography "Sources of Creativity" was published in German in 2016 - a great obituary of the master's life and work.

How will things continue without Amano?

The ADA company continues to exist, of course - the idea of natural aquariums has long outgrown the person of Takashi Amano, and aquascaping continues to be a strong branch in aquaristics. Even during his lifetime, Amano had been able to rally a team of creative minds and aquarium experts around him, and so his approach of combining high quality, nature-based aquaristics and good design lives on, as he continues to develop and refine products.

ADA is making a name for itself with sensational developments - for example, inspired by the success of the ADA-inspired Wabi Kusas, small plant biotopes made of aquarium plants that are pulled above water - the company has expanded its activities in the direction of aquaterrariums. With the Mist Wall, a wall on which aquarium plants can be cultivated and presented outside the water, ADA has once again succeeded in creating a milestone in aqua-terraristics.

Development continues steadily even without the father of natural aquaristics Takashi Amano, and the creative minds behind ADA do not let up in continuing to offer their high-quality, proven assortment, constantly developing and improving it, and constantly offering new and innovative solutions.