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LAYOUT 2025.10.01
NATURE AQUARIUM GALLERY #05 “Eternal and Life”
At the Nature Aquarium Gallery, aquascapes are created and maintained every day. Through this ongoing work, ADA has developed a deep and practical knowledge of Nature Aquarium. In the web series NATURE AQUARIUM GALLERY, we interview ADA SUIKEI Creators and ADA’s expert maintenance staff to explore their creations and share tips on how to care for and grow aquatic environments using ADA products.
The profound strength and tranquility that emerge only through long-term maintenance
[ Eternal and Life ]
The driftwood is arranged to resemble roots spreading through the substrate, giving the aquascape a grounded, stable feel and evoking a sense of time slowly passing. In contrast, the branches reaching upward add movement and vitality to the composition. As time goes on, the aquatic plants gradually take on their natural form, and the entire layout matures into a deeper, more expressive scene.
This layout seeks to capture a harmony: the quiet stability of nature and the vibrant vitality that emerges through growth. Through that balance, the theme of “eternity” and “life” is brought to life in the aquascape.
(— Daichi Araki, ADA SUIKEI Creator)
The driftwood is arranged to resemble roots spreading through the substrate, giving the aquascape a grounded, stable feel and evoking a sense of time slowly passing. In contrast, the branches reaching upward add movement and vitality to the composition. As time goes on, the aquatic plants gradually take on their natural form, and the entire layout matures into a deeper, more expressive scene.
This layout seeks to capture a harmony: the quiet stability of nature and the vibrant vitality that emerges through growth. Through that balance, the theme of “eternity” and “life” is brought to life in the aquascape.
(— Daichi Araki, ADA SUIKEI Creator)
DATA
Creation date: June 21, 2023
Photo taken on: January 23,2025
Creator: Daichi Araki（ADA SUIKEI CREATOR）
Aquarium: Cube Garden W1,800×D1,200×H600（mm）
Lighting: Solar RGB x 6 (8.5 hours per day)
Filtration: Super Jet Filter ES-2400 x 2 (Bio Rio G, NA Carbon)
Material: Horn Wood, Sansui Stone, Unzan Stone
Substrate: Aqua Soil – Amazonia Ver.2, Pumice, Power Sand Advance L, Bacter 100, Clear Super, Tourmaline BC
CO2: Pollen Glass Beetle 50Ø, 5 bubbles per second via CO2 Twist Counter (using Tower)
Aeration: 15.5 hours after the light is turned off using Lily Pipe P-6
Additives: Brighty K, Green Brighty Mineral, Green Brighty Iron, Green Brighty Nitrogen
Water change: 1/3 once a week
Water quality: Temperature 25°C, pH: 6.2, TH: 50 mg/L
Plants
Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’, Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Real Green’, Cryptocoryne undulata ‘Broad Leaf’, Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Tropica’, Cryptocoryne beckettii, Cryptocoryne parva, Cryptocoryne albida, Cryptocoryne spiralis var. caudigera, Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia, Cryptocoryne affinis ‘Metallic Red’, Cryptocoryne balansae, Cryptocoryne spiralis ‘Red’, Cryptocoryne sivadasanii, Wabi-Kusa Lagenandra sp. ‘Amarance’, Wabi-Kusa Lagenandra sp. ‘Watermelon’, Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Vinay Chandra’, Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Pewter’, Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Hickory’, Wabi-Kusa Stem MIX Red, Persicaria filiformis, Echinodorus tenellus ‘Madeira’, Helanthium tenellum ‘Broad Leaf’, Echinodorus sp. ‘Jungle Star No.1’, Echinodorus uruguayensis, Helanthium bolivianum ‘Angustifolius’, Cyperus helferi, Epipremnum aureum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’, Microsorum pteropus, Bolbitis heudelotii, Bucephalandra sp. ‘Sintang’, Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Queen’, Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish
Paracheirodon axelrodi, Hyphessobrycon takasei, Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, Nematobrycon palmeri, Trigonostigma hengeli, Inpaichthys kerri, Thayeria obliqua, Crossocheilus oblongus, Otocinclus sp., Caridina multidentata
Creation date: June 21, 2023
Photo taken on: January 23,2025
Creator: Daichi Araki（ADA SUIKEI CREATOR）
Aquarium: Cube Garden W1,800×D1,200×H600（mm）
Lighting: Solar RGB x 6 (8.5 hours per day)
Filtration: Super Jet Filter ES-2400 x 2 (Bio Rio G, NA Carbon)
Material: Horn Wood, Sansui Stone, Unzan Stone
Substrate: Aqua Soil – Amazonia Ver.2, Pumice, Power Sand Advance L, Bacter 100, Clear Super, Tourmaline BC
CO2: Pollen Glass Beetle 50Ø, 5 bubbles per second via CO2 Twist Counter (using Tower)
Aeration: 15.5 hours after the light is turned off using Lily Pipe P-6
Additives: Brighty K, Green Brighty Mineral, Green Brighty Iron, Green Brighty Nitrogen
Water change: 1/3 once a week
Water quality: Temperature 25°C, pH: 6.2, TH: 50 mg/L
Plants
Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green’, Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Real Green’, Cryptocoryne undulata ‘Broad Leaf’, Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Tropica’, Cryptocoryne beckettii, Cryptocoryne parva, Cryptocoryne albida, Cryptocoryne spiralis var. caudigera, Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia, Cryptocoryne affinis ‘Metallic Red’, Cryptocoryne balansae, Cryptocoryne spiralis ‘Red’, Cryptocoryne sivadasanii, Wabi-Kusa Lagenandra sp. ‘Amarance’, Wabi-Kusa Lagenandra sp. ‘Watermelon’, Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Vinay Chandra’, Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Pewter’, Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Hickory’, Wabi-Kusa Stem MIX Red, Persicaria filiformis, Echinodorus tenellus ‘Madeira’, Helanthium tenellum ‘Broad Leaf’, Echinodorus sp. ‘Jungle Star No.1’, Echinodorus uruguayensis, Helanthium bolivianum ‘Angustifolius’, Cyperus helferi, Epipremnum aureum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’, Microsorum pteropus, Bolbitis heudelotii, Bucephalandra sp. ‘Sintang’, Aglaonema commutatum ‘Silver Queen’, Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish
Paracheirodon axelrodi, Hyphessobrycon takasei, Hyphessobrycon sweglesi, Nematobrycon palmeri, Trigonostigma hengeli, Inpaichthys kerri, Thayeria obliqua, Crossocheilus oblongus, Otocinclus sp., Caridina multidentata
Maintenance & Cultivation Tips
Getting Through the Startup Phase with NA Carbon
NA Carbon, an acid-treated filtration media that has minimal effect on pH, is ideal even for aquascapes featuring delicate or sensitive aquatic plants. In this setup, it was continuously used in the Super Jet Filter to help stabilize water parameters during the critical early stages of the tank. This approach not only supported healthy plant growth but also helped suppress algae buildup on the slow-growing leaves of aroids (Araceae).
Since driftwood was used heavily in this layout, there were concerns about water discoloration, but thanks to NA Carbon, the water remained crystal clear and visually appealing.
NA Carbon, an acid-treated filtration media that has minimal effect on pH, is ideal even for aquascapes featuring delicate or sensitive aquatic plants. In this setup, it was continuously used in the Super Jet Filter to help stabilize water parameters during the critical early stages of the tank. This approach not only supported healthy plant growth but also helped suppress algae buildup on the slow-growing leaves of aroids (Araceae).
Since driftwood was used heavily in this layout, there were concerns about water discoloration, but thanks to NA Carbon, the water remained crystal clear and visually appealing.
Microsorum and General Hardness (GH)
Microsorum (Java Fern) produces soft, translucent leaves when grown in water with low general hardness (GH). However, if GH remains high for an extended period, these delicate characteristics may fade, and new leaf growth can become noticeably sluggish.
To maintain optimal conditions, it’s best to keep GH in the range of 10–20 mg/L. If necessary, a cation filter can be used to help control hardness levels. At the NA Gallery, untreated tap water was occasionally added to prevent GH from dropping too low, helping to stabilize total hardness (TH) and maintain overall water balance.
Microsorum (Java Fern) produces soft, translucent leaves when grown in water with low general hardness (GH). However, if GH remains high for an extended period, these delicate characteristics may fade, and new leaf growth can become noticeably sluggish.
To maintain optimal conditions, it’s best to keep GH in the range of 10–20 mg/L. If necessary, a cation filter can be used to help control hardness levels. At the NA Gallery, untreated tap water was occasionally added to prevent GH from dropping too low, helping to stabilize total hardness (TH) and maintain overall water balance.
Controlling NO₃ (Nitrate)
This aquarium was maintained over a long period of 18 months, and careful balancing of feeding amounts and plant biomass kept water quality stable. Water changes once every 10 days were sufficient.
However, going too long without water changes can lead to nitrate buildup, which may result in fin damage in fish and increased algae growth. Therefore, regular nitrate testing is essential.
Additionally, using fast-growing plants like stem plants and Riccia helps absorb excess NO₃, offering another effective method of nitrate control.
This aquarium was maintained over a long period of 18 months, and careful balancing of feeding amounts and plant biomass kept water quality stable. Water changes once every 10 days were sufficient.
However, going too long without water changes can lead to nitrate buildup, which may result in fin damage in fish and increased algae growth. Therefore, regular nitrate testing is essential.
Additionally, using fast-growing plants like stem plants and Riccia helps absorb excess NO₃, offering another effective method of nitrate control.
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