Everything You Need to Know About ADA Fertilisers and Additives: A Complete Guide
Everything You Need to Know About ADA Fertilisers and Additives: A Complete Guide
Why Fertilisers Matter in Planted Aquariums
Aquatic plants, like all living plants, rely on a steady supply of nutrients to grow and stay healthy. In natural environments, these nutrients are constantly replenished through fish waste, decaying organic matter, and sediment. But in a closed aquarium—especially a high-tech, aquascaped tank—nutrient levels can quickly drop, leading to deficiencies, poor plant growth, and increased risk of algae.
When you're running high lighting and injecting CO₂, the plants’ demand for nutrients rises significantly. This is where the concept of the Aquascaping Balance Triangle comes in: Light, CO₂, and Nutrients must be kept in balance. If one is increased or decreased, the others need to be adjusted accordingly to maintain harmony in the tank.
Balance Tip: Boosting light intensity? You’ll need to raise CO₂ and nutrient dosing too. Scaling back one? Reduce the others in step to keep things balanced.
By supplying a consistent, balanced mix of essential macro and micronutrients, you give your plants the tools they need to photosynthesise efficiently, grow robustly, and flourish in your aquascape.
Essential Nutrients: What Aquatic Plants Need and Why
Aquatic plants require two broad categories of nutrients:
Macronutrients (required in larger amounts):
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Nitrogen (N): Crucial for leaf and stem growth, nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll and amino acids.
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Phosphorus (P): Supports root development, flowering, and energy transfer within the plant.
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Potassium (K): Enhances overall plant vigor and helps regulate physiological functions like water uptake.
Micronutrients (required in trace amounts):
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Iron (Fe): Vital for chlorophyll synthesis; deficiencies often show as yellowing leaves. - Iron is often placed with macro nutrients as aquatic plants do benefit from this in slightly higher doses than trace amounts however dosing should be done with caution as you can overdose iron.
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Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), and Sulfur (S): Support enzyme function and cellular health.
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Trace elements like Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Boron (B): Needed in very small amounts but essential for plant metabolism. While still crucial, overdosing these can be toxic livestock, so they are usually included in comprehensive micronutrient blends in lower concentrations.
In a balanced fertilisation routine, all these nutrients must be present and in the right proportions.
ADA Brighty Series: A Closer Look at Each Product
Aqua Design Amano (ADA) has long been at the forefront of aquascaping and aquarium nutrition. Their Brighty series offers targeted solutions to meet the varying needs of aquatic plants throughout different stages of growth.
1. Brighty K
Purpose: Potassium supplement
When to use: Daily; especially useful in soft water or systems with heavy plant load. Potassium deficiencies generally present with pinholes in leaves, or yellowing/bleaching of leaves.
BRIGHTY K helps support the buffering capacity (KH) of aquarium water, which in turn helps prevent sudden drops in pH. This is especially useful in soft, acidic water where potassium is often limited and the water lacks natural buffering minerals. By adding BRIGHTY K, you not only supply essential potassium but also help stabilise the pH.
Since BRIGHTY K is strongly alkaline, you may notice a temporary rise in pH immediately after dosing. However, this effect is short-lived, and the pH will typically return to its normal level as the tank stabilises.
2. Brighty Neutral K
Purpose: Potassium supplement
When to use: Daily; especially useful in soft water or systems with heavy plant load. Potassium deficiencies generally present with pinholes in leaves, or yellowing/bleaching of leaves.
Brighty Neutral K does not increase pH or carbonate hardness (KH), making it ideal for supplying potassium in aquariums with plants that thrive in soft, slightly acidic water conditions.
3. Brighty Mineral
Purpose: Provides essential trace elements and minerals
When to use: Regularly or daily, especially in tanks with vigorous plant growth
Why it matters: Helps maintain essential micronutrient levels needed for photosynthesis and enzyme activity. It’s particularly effective in preventing deficiency symptoms such as chlorosis (yellowing leaves). When trace elements are lacking, plants often develop poor colouration, stunted growth, and may struggle to produce new foliage.
4. Brighty Iron
Purpose: Iron supplement
When to use: In tanks with fast-growing plants or visible iron deficiency (yellowing leaves),can be used daily.
Why it matters: Iron plays a key role in chlorophyll production and energy transfer. Brighty Iron delivers bioavailable Fe to keep plants looking lush and green.
5. Brighty Nitrogen
Purpose: Nitrogen source (typically as nitrate)
When to use: In planted tanks where nitrate is low or fish load is minimal, can be used daily or a few times a week based on stocking. Great for light loving plants.
Why it matters: Promotes healthy new leaf development and overall plant mass. Nitrogen is essential for vigorous growth, and a lack of it often results in pale, yellowing leaves, particularly in newer growth, along with stunted development. Prolonged nitrogen deficiency can not only slow plant growth but also lead to algae outbreaks, as plants become less competitive for nutrients.
Tips for Dosing ADA Brighty Fertilisers
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Tailor your dosing to your tank’s light intensity, plant biomass, and CO₂ injection.
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Start slow and adjust based on plant response- look out for signs of deficiency or excess.
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Perform regular water changes to prevent nutrient buildup and maintain water quality.
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Use in conjunction with ADA’s substrate systems (like Aqua Soil) for optimal results.
ADA Substrate Additives
Power Sand Advance
A highly porous, nutrient-rich base layer designed to enhance water circulation within the substrate and support long-term plant health. It contains a blend of organic nutrients, beneficial bacteria, and volcanic pumice, creating an ideal environment for microbial activity and root development.
In addition to Bacter 100 and Clear Super, this advanced version also includes BC powder (bamboo charcoal), which further stimulates plant growth and improves substrate conditioning. Compared to Power Sand Basic, it offers a higher nutrient content, making it ideal for demanding, plant-heavy aquascapes. Its structure also helps prevent substrate compaction, ensuring deep-rooted plants thrive.
Available in Small, Medium and Large
Bacter 100
A fine powder containing over 100 types of dormant beneficial bacteria.
Sprinkled on the tank bottom before adding substrate to kick-start biological filtration and substrate health.
Clear Super
Activated carbon-based powder that supports bacterial colonisation and helps bind impurities.
Used alongside Bacter 100 to improve substrate clarity and stability.
Tourmaline BC
Contains fine bamboo charcoal for aiding in absorbing organic pollutant substances and tourmaline.
Supports healthy root development and develops healthy substrate environment
Aqua Soil (Amazonia Ver.2)
The top layer of the substrate system. A nutrient-rich soil made from natural earth materials, especially high in nitrogen, organic acids, and trace elements.
Lowers pH and KH, creating soft, slightly acidic water—ideal for tropical plants and fish.
Leaches a lot of ammonia in the first few weeks, daily / regular water changes are advised for the first few weeks before it is safe to add livestock.
Bottom Plus
Nutrient-rich root sticks designed to be inserted into the substrate every few months to replenish essential nutrients. They’re enriched with key elements like nitrogen and iron, which naturally become depleted in soil over time. Made from the same natural materials as Amazonia Aqua Soil, they offer a consistent and effective way to revitalise the substrate and support healthy root development.
ADA Additives
1. ADA Green Gains
Purpose: Green Gains is an amino acid-based fertiliser designed to encourage healthy, vibrant plant growth. It’s particularly beneficial for plants that need to recover from stress or for enhancing the growth of young or newly planted aquascape setups.
Key Benefits:
- Promotes rapid root development and stem elongation.
- Boosts plant coloration and overall health.
- Supports wound recovery from trimming or transplanting.
- Ideal for new aquascapes or plants that have been subjected to stressful conditions (e.g., poor lighting, CO₂ issues).
Usage: Typically added to the water column, Green Gains is a gentle solution that works well alongside regular dosing schedules. It’s most effective during early plant establishment and recovery periods.
2. ADA ECA
Purpose: ECA PLUS is a plant supplement that combines organic acids and ferrous iron in a form that's easily absorbed by plants. Its advanced formula also includes magnesium, a crucial element for the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. The organic acids help improve the uptake of both ferrous iron and magnesium, enhancing the green and red colours of aquatic plants. ECA PLUS is particularly effective in preventing and treating chlorosis (yellowing) in new growth.
Key Benefits:
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Enhances CO₂ absorption by plants, improving photosynthesis efficiency.
- Improves leaf colour and helps treat chlorosis
Usage: Added directly to the water column to improve overall health and colouration of aquatic plants. Dose along side Brighty K or Neutral K to provide potassium.
3. ADA Bacter Plus
Purpose: Bacter Plus is a bacterial additive that supports biological filtration and substrate health. It contains a mix of beneficial bacteria and enzymes that help break down organic matter and improve the overall health of the tank’s ecosystem.
Key Benefits:
- Supports healthy biological filtration, reducing harmful toxins like ammonia and nitrites.
- Promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy, stable aquarium environment.
Usage: Ideal for use when setting up a new tank, or during tank maintenance to boost biological filtration. Can also be used to restore or maintain a healthy substrate in aquascapes with ADA soils like Amazonia.
4. ADA Phyton Git Sol
Purpose: PHYTON GIT SOL is a plant additive formulated from plant extracts, enriched with antiseptic properties to combat algae growth. With a thicker viscosity, its advanced formula improves algae control, effectively suppressing blue-green algae and preventing future blooms. The antiseptic components remain on the applied area for an extended period, offering long-lasting protection against algae.
Key Benefits:
- Effectively suppresses blue-green algae and prevents future blooms by leaving antiseptic components on treated areas for extended protection.
- Improves algae control with enhanced viscosity, allowing the formula to stay in place longer for better and more consistent results.
Usage: Typically added to the water column or directly applied to affected plant areas. Use preventatively during periods of plant stress (e.g., after trimming) or to treat early signs of infection.
4. ADA Phyton Git Plus
Purpose: PHYTON GIT PLUS is a plant supplement made from plant extracts rich in antiseptic properties. Its advanced formula includes active ingredients that enhance the antiseptic and antibacterial effects, helping to prevent plant diseases. PHYTON GIT PLUS stimulates plants to produce their own antiseptic compounds, boosting their disease resistance. It is particularly effective in preventing aquatic fern disease and inhibiting the growth of blue-green algae.
Key Benefits:
- Boosts plant disease resistance by stimulating the production of natural antiseptic components within the plants.
- Prevents aquatic fern disease and inhibits the growth of blue-green algae, enhancing overall plant health and stability.
Usage: Typically added to the water column or directly applied to affected plant areas. Use preventatively during periods of plant stress (e.g., after trimming) or to treat early signs of infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ADA Substrate System?
A: The ADA Substrate System is a comprehensive, layered approach to aquarium planting substrates, developed by Aqua Design Amano (ADA). It's designed to provide a nutrient-rich foundation that supports healthy root development, long-term plant growth, and stable water conditions- especially in high-tech, CO₂-injected planted tanks.
Q: Do the ADA Fertilisers only work with ADA Soil?
A: ADA fertilisers are specifically formulated to complement the ADA substrate system, creating a cohesive and well-balanced nutrient environment. Since ADA soils naturally lower pH and KH, creating soft, slightly acidic water conditions, the Brighty series is designed to perform optimally in this setting. When used together, they offer greater stability, nutrient consistency, and predictable results, particularly in CO₂-injected, high-tech planted tanks.
Q: Can I use ADA Fertilisers if I haven't used an ADA Substrate System?
A: Yes, of course you can, there are a few things to bare in mind, ADA assumes a nutrient-rich substrate (like Amazonia or other Aqua Soil) is already providing significant nutrition to plant roots—so water column dosing is kept light.
Things to consider:
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Lower concentrations of macronutrients (NPK) are dosed daily, in line with ADA’s philosophy of a balanced, minimal-input system.
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The dosing is designed to gently support plant growth, rather than push it aggressively.