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LAYOUT 2025.08.01
The Enduring Appeal of Takashi Amano’s Original Product Designs
Among ADA’s Nature Aquarium product lineup, several iconic items have remained in continuous production for over 30 years. Many of these were originally designed by Takashi Amano, ADA’s founder, and continue to captivate with their originality and timeless form.
This article introduces three of Amano’s signature design works: the CO2 Beetle Counter, Cabochon Ruby, and AP Glass—each a reflection of his aesthetic sensibility and deep understanding of form and function.
This article introduces three of Amano’s signature design works: the CO2 Beetle Counter, Cabochon Ruby, and AP Glass—each a reflection of his aesthetic sensibility and deep understanding of form and function.
CO2 Beetle Counter (Released in 1993)
A timeless masterpiece born from Takashi Amano’s playful spirit and master craftsmanship.
Designed for large aquariums that require a higher volume of CO2, the CO2 Beetle Counter pairs with devices like the Pollen Glass Large and Pollen Glass Beetle. The larger bubbles it produces rise in a spiral pattern, making it easier to count CO2 bubbles even at high injection rates.
Its distinctive spiral plate structure is extremely difficult to craft—made possible only by the hands of highly skilled glass artisans. A perfect balance of function and artistic flair, the Beetle Counter is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful glass pieces in the ADA Nature Aquarium Products.
Designed for large aquariums that require a higher volume of CO2, the CO2 Beetle Counter pairs with devices like the Pollen Glass Large and Pollen Glass Beetle. The larger bubbles it produces rise in a spiral pattern, making it easier to count CO2 bubbles even at high injection rates.
Its distinctive spiral plate structure is extremely difficult to craft—made possible only by the hands of highly skilled glass artisans. A perfect balance of function and artistic flair, the Beetle Counter is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful glass pieces in the ADA Nature Aquarium Products.
Cabochon Ruby (Released in 1994)
A small crimson jewel that embodies Amano’s refined aesthetics.
Most reverse valves are made of plastic and silicone, and degrade over time, requiring regular replacement. In contrast, ADA developed the Cabochon Ruby in 1995 as a glass reverse valve with long-lasting, stable performance for CO2 systems.
From the beginning, the goal was a durable and elegant solution—but finding a material that could prevent backflow while withstanding the intense heat of glass processing posed a significant challenge. Various high-melting-point metal spheres were tested but failed to deliver the right look or feel.
The breakthrough came with the discovery of a ruby-like red mineral—a natural gemstone that could endure high temperatures and be safely sealed within glass. The result was a beautiful, reliable reverse valve with a glowing red core, combining visual appeal and precise function.
Most reverse valves are made of plastic and silicone, and degrade over time, requiring regular replacement. In contrast, ADA developed the Cabochon Ruby in 1995 as a glass reverse valve with long-lasting, stable performance for CO2 systems.
From the beginning, the goal was a durable and elegant solution—but finding a material that could prevent backflow while withstanding the intense heat of glass processing posed a significant challenge. Various high-melting-point metal spheres were tested but failed to deliver the right look or feel.
The breakthrough came with the discovery of a ruby-like red mineral—a natural gemstone that could endure high temperatures and be safely sealed within glass. The result was a beautiful, reliable reverse valve with a glowing red core, combining visual appeal and precise function.
AP Glass (Released in 1993)
A gentle, ergonomic form inspired by Takashi Amano’s own hand.
The AP Glass is a glass feeding tool designed for comfort and cleanliness, with a unique shape that fits naturally in the palm. Its form was not only created by Amano but based on the actual size of his own hand. Early versions were slightly larger than the current model—a detail longtime ADA fans will remember.
The feeding tip features a slight curve, which softens the drop of ADA’s Fish Food AP as it hits the water surface—preventing the food from sinking too quickly. Even in the act of feeding a single pellet, ADA’s commitment to user experience and detail shines through.
The AP Glass is a glass feeding tool designed for comfort and cleanliness, with a unique shape that fits naturally in the palm. Its form was not only created by Amano but based on the actual size of his own hand. Early versions were slightly larger than the current model—a detail longtime ADA fans will remember.
The feeding tip features a slight curve, which softens the drop of ADA’s Fish Food AP as it hits the water surface—preventing the food from sinking too quickly. Even in the act of feeding a single pellet, ADA’s commitment to user experience and detail shines through.
