UNS Ultum Nature Systems vs. ADA Aqua Design Amano

Hobbyists interested in aquascaping appreciate premium materials that bring out the artistic feel of underwater and hybrid landscapes. Two of the top brands in the industry, known for their high-end nature systems, are Ultum Nature Systems (UNS) and Aqua Design Amano (ADA). These are big brands with huge global fanbases and unique strengths. Whether you're a seasoned aquascaper or are new to the lifestyle, you'll probably find yourself comparing these two giants when selecting materials for your project. 

Understanding the Two Brands

Here's a side-by-side overview of Ultum Nature Systems and Aqua Design Amano.

Ultum Nature Systems

UNS, founded in 2017, is rapidly gaining popularity in the aquascaping community for its premium-grade products. The brand is well-known for its quality products with accessible pricing.

One of the key strengths of UNS is that it makes quality aquascaping products available to a wide range of hobbyists. They produce a diverse range of products, from different types of nature system tanks and artificial hardscape materials to fertilizers and accessories

Aqua Design Amano 

ADA was founded in 1982 by Takashi Amano, who pioneered the concept of Nature Aquarium and revolutionized the aquarium industry. ADA products were born from ADA’s experience in producing Nature Aquarium layouts. ADA’s identity was expressed through simple minimalist designs. ADA has adheredto this product development philosophy since day one. As a result, many innovative products were born, products such as rimless aquariums, Solar RGB lighting system, CO2glasswares, glass lily pipes, light screen backgrounds, Vuppa surface film extractor, and wave typescissors, just to name a few

It is safe to say that the brand has been successful in its strict aesthetic approach and high-end approach and has maintained its reputation as the industry gold standard. Where UNS prides itself on premium quality at a more accessible price, ADA aquariums are generally as high-end as the pricing. The brand also sells different materials and accessories for aquascaping.

Aquarium Tank Build Quality

Both UNS and ADA tanks are popular and have many similarities. They have almost flawless craftsmanship and are equally low iron, but they also feature distinct qualities.

UNS Tanks

UNS makes quality rimless aquariums in the market. Their rimless tanks feature low-iron glass capable of excellent clarity, making for a crisp appearance. They also have good silicone work that creates a refined finish.

A defining feature that makes UNS tanks stand out in the rimless aquarium market is the 45-degree bevel, which offers a clean, polished look. 

ADA Tanks 

ADA's aquarium tanks boast one of the finest rimless tank constructions with museum-grade, low-iron glass that stands out from competitors in terms of clarity. The minimal tint and exceptional clarity create an unobstructed, gallery-like view of the aquascape. One defining feature is ADA's superior craftsmanship, and carefully sourced material which you can tell from the ultra-fine silicone work and unmatched clarity. The almost invisible seams are extremely thin and straight, reflecting great detail.

While ADA tanks have atraditional joint, the edges are polished with a perfectly aligned finish allaround. The level of detail in ADA's tanks adds to their premium feel, which justifies their high-end price tag.

Substrates and Plant Growth Systems

Here are the branded substrates used by UNS and ADA:

UNS Substrates

The brand has three different substrate categories designed to be accessible and user-friendly to beginners and seasoned aquascapers. Here's a breakdown of each:

• Controsoil: This is a unique substrate that combines volcanic ash and soil. It has low nutrient levels that minimize ammonia spikes and is great at absorbing impurities and creating balance. It comes in various granule sizes and colors. The soil creates a slightly acidic water pH suitable for many aquatic plants and safe for freshwater fish.
• Controsand: This custom-blended natural substrate is perfect for aquarium and terrarium use and comes in different colors and granule sizes. It's usually used alongside Controsoil and is safe for fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.
• Controbase: This is a porous substrate meant for planted aquariums. It's made up of pumice stone and has a high nutrient level to help support heavy, root-feeding aquatic plants.

ADA Substrate

Like UNS, ADA has several substrate options to help enrich your aquarium and capture the natural soil diversity. These substrates include:

• Aqua Soil AmazoniaVer2: ADA's Aqua Soil Amazonia Ver 2 is a natural black soil and one of the most popular, nutrient-rich substrates on the market. Its formula supports root development and high-energy stems and is perfect if you're aiming for lush plant growth. The soft soil granules are porous, which promotes oxygen flow while supporting root access to nutrients. In addition, Amazonia concentrate supplements are included, it makes it possible to provide essential organic components without directly exposed to water column. This new method reduces problems such as turbid water and algae outbreaks.
• La Plata Sand: This popular natural white sand is ideal for general use in aquariums. The sand doesn't affect water quality and aquatic life. You can use it as a cosmetic additive for planted aquariums to create a layered look, it mimics the white sand found in the Amazon rainforest
• Aqua Gravel: This substrate comprises natural river gravel. It's often used as a base sand, sitting directly on the surface of the aquarium tank. If you're looking for a substrate that doesn't raise water hardness inside the aquarium, Aqua Gravel is your best candidate.
• Power Sand Basic: This substrate combines inorganic, delayed-release nutrients and porous materials with organic nutrients to provide a well-balanced blend. It's ideal for increasing microorganisms in the substrate.

Lighting Systems

In the aquascaping hobby, plants are essential — and plants need the best red-green-blue (RGB) light to grow. The main lighting systems you'll have to weigh are ADA Solar RGB 2 vs. UNS Titan. Both are full-spectrum LED lights with excellent output:

• ADA Solar RGB 2: This modern world-class fixture comes in a hanging pendant style. It delivers a whooping 31000 lux at 30cm distance, unmatched in the industry and widely regarded as the gold standard for planted aquarium lighting. It uses a unique LED RGB spectrum designed to achieve an almost natural outdoor look that keeps the plants vibrant and healthy. Smart app control offers full control over lighting settings such as dimming, time scheduling, color, and grouping function.
• UNS Titan 1 LED Light: This ultra-modern, pendant-styled unit uses world-class Epistar RGB LED technology to intensify coloration. It comes with a flat diffuser to spread light evenly and promote plant growth. You can customize brightness and tweak light channels as needed.

If your top priority is color depth and accuracy to boost plant growth, the ADA lighting system is hard to beat. 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Injection System and Equipment

In the CO2 system and equipment category, the difference between ADA and UNS comes down to ADA's design elegance versus UNS versatile and advanced functionality. ADA focuses on clean integration and minimalist designs. UNS focuses on advanced features, versatility and easy-to-use controls.

Overall, UNS balances quality, affordability, and aesthetics, making it ideal for hobbyists at all levels. ADA maximizes aesthetic harmony and technical perfection, ideal for high-end aquascapes.

Launch Your Nature Aquarium Project With AFA

While the best choice for you depends on your needs and goals, if you're looking for top-tier craftsmanship and performance, ADA products are an excellent choice. From tank and substrate to lighting and filtration, ADA creates a harmonious environment perfect for aquatic plants and animals. At AFA, we sell aquascape products that embody the connection between nature and people.

We are the only official ADA distributor in the U.S., offering a broad range of ADA products. Our online store features healthy aquarium plants, tanks, cabinets and all the accessories you need to create a beautiful aquascape. You can also fill out our contact form for inquiries.