ADA Nature Aquarium
The aquascaping philosophy created by Takashi Amano. It combines Japanese aesthetic principles with advanced cultivation techniques.
Detailed explanation
Takashi Amano (1954-2015) revolutionized aquarium hobby with the concept of Nature Aquarium: planted aquariums that recreate natural landscapes in miniature.
The ADA (Aqua Design Amano) products are the reference: Amazonia substrate, Green Brighty fertilisers, blown glass equipment (lily pipes, CO2 diffusers), steel scissors and tweezers.
Aesthetic principles include: composition based on the golden ratio, the contrast between empty and full, depth created with forced perspective, the use of a single focal point.
The main styles of the Nature Aquarium are: Iwagumi (rocks and carpet only), Ryuboku (woods as the dominant element), Ragwork (combination of rocks and woods).
The IAPLC (International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest) founded by Amano is the most prestigious aquascaping competition in the world.