Things Are Getting Serious

[JayP]

It's been a big week for deliveries of components and supplies for the next couple scapes. Always fun to get new toys. Oase Biomaster filters, Chihiros dosers, GLA CO2 regulators, Week Aqua lights, Waterbox tanks, and parts to put together the new RO storage and pump setup. Biggest thing of all though, the one that means things are serious, my first ADA product (Amazonia doesn't count). I've already put them to use.

 

[DutchMuch]

I love this post, I can feel the excitement!

Setting up a new scape is such a fun expressive moment. Particularly I find receiving the equipment to be a whole highlight of its own.

Biggest thing of all though, the one that means things are serious, my first ADA product (Amazonia doesn't count). I've already put them to use

Gave me a good chuckle, my first ADA item was a $20 thermometer that didn’t even end up fitting my tanks rim… still felt great though!

 

[BenB]

my first ADA product (Amazonia doesn't count). I've already put them to use.

I have a few ADA things. I was excited too.
The pinsettes like that with the super tiny tips are the best. You'll still be using them years for now and glad you splurged on them.

 

[TheWetScape]

How are you liking the tweezers? I’m currently debating between those and the grip ones for my birthday present to myself haha

 

[JayP]

How are you liking the tweezers? I’m currently debating between those and the grip ones for my birthday present to myself haha

I swear, since getting them, planting stems is so much easier. They seem to release the stem and let soil fall back in around it while while pulling them back from the substrate resulting in the stem staying put. It may just be in my head and I'm just getting better at planting, but as far as I'm concerned, all the reviews are absolutely correct, just give them your money.

 

[Pepere]

I bought a pair of Hydra Aquatics Iconic Pinsettes @Jeff Miotke recently suggested as being the best bang for the buck. He rated the ADA Pinsettes as the best, but the Hydra Aquatics were under $29.00.

They were a HUGE improvement over my cheapies from Amazon where I got a straight, a bent end, a pair of scissors and a substrate leveler all for $10.00….

If someone is swallowing hard at the cost of the ADA these might make swallowing easier…

 

[BenB]

It doesn't matter what the brand is, you just want the ones with the super tiny tips. Get long ones too. They make different lengths, but longer is better for getting into tight spots.
I have THESE except mine are steel colored. They used to be sold in the US. Mine are at least 20 years old.
There are multiple vendors with them. Just search "fine tip pincettes."

THESE have the big tips. Not good.

Well, I'm looking at the pics more. I'm not sure the black ones are exactly like mine, but you get the idea.

 

[BenB]

My stuff. It's all old. Probably some better things out now.
I got the gravel rake thing at ADA Nature Aquarium Days in 2005.

 

[JayP]

ADA Nature Aquarium Days in 2005.

Is this still a thing?

 

[TheWetScape]

I swear, since getting them, planting stems is so much easier. They seem to release the stem and let soil fall back in around it while while pulling them back from the substrate resulting in the stem staying put. It may just be in my head and I'm just getting better at planting, but as far as I'm concerned, all the reviews are absolutely correct, just give them your money.

I’ve been eyeing them for a couple of months, right now I’m just using aqua vitro ones and they are not terrible. I wish we could get the JBL ones in the US so I could try those too lol

 

[BenB]

Is this still a thing?

They did it last year when Luca Gallagara won. I remember seeing lots of pics posted.
HERE is the announcement for this year.

HERE is a review someone posted about last year.

 

[JayP]

They did it last year when Luca Gallagara won. I remember seeing lots of pics posted.
HERE is the announcement for this year.

HERE is a review someone posted about last year.

Ah, I thought you were maybe referring to some event in the U.S. So you attended the big event in Japan and got to tour the ADA gallery?

 

[gnatster]

Did someone mention Old Aquascaping Tools...

 

[BenB]

Did someone mention Old Aquascaping Tools...

I think the curved tips ones might be better than straight, but I don't think I ever had those.

 

[BenB]

Ah, I thought you were maybe referring to some event in the U.S. So you attended the big event in Japan and got to tour the ADA gallery?

Yeah, it started out in Tokyo. One of Amano's daughters was translator for a friend and I. She lived in Australia at the time. Then we went to Niigata and saw the gallery and his house, met his wife, and saw the famous aquarium and back garden.

 

[SkaleyAquatics]

I bought a pair of Hydra Aquatics Iconic Pinsettes @Jeff Miotke recently suggested as being the best bang for the buck. He rated the ADA Pinsettes as the best, but the Hydra Aquatics were under $29.00.

They were a HUGE improvement over my cheapies from Amazon where I got a straight, a bent end, a pair of scissors and a substrate leveler all for $10.00….

If someone is swallowing hard at the cost of the ADA these might make swallowing easier…

I want to try these. I'd like the ADA pinsettes but they are out of stock and pricey.

 

[JayP]

Yeah, it started out in Tokyo. One of Amano's daughters was translator for a friend and I. She lived in Australia at the time. Then we went to Niigata and saw the gallery and his house, met his wife, and saw the famous aquarium and back garden.

 

[BenB]

View attachment 9964

Ahhhh... the internet was still small, the planted tank community was still small, and it was easier to know people and do things. Also, I was much younger and more willing to spend the $$. These days I'm too old, grumpy, and tight with my money. (Or at least I feel old a lot of days.)

I'd really love to know when there is an event like one of the Aquashellas where the people from Europe/Asia were coming. I'd go to that. Seems like you don't know that the big names are coming until it is too late. I met Dennis years ago, but he was still getting going. It was great to see him at the AGA in 2024.

 

[JayP]

I'd really love to know when there is an event like one of the Aquashellas where the people from Europe/Asia were coming. I'd go to that. Seems like you don't know that the big names are coming until it is too late. I met Dennis years ago, but he was still getting going. It was great to see him at the AGA in 2024.

Yeah, I thought about an Aquashella event this year but the timing just didn't work with my schedule. Maybe next year and AGA as well. My problem is, I just got started and I'm already old.