Aquarium Design Group

What Aquarium Design Group does

Aquarium Design Group is a privately held custom aquarium design, installation, and service firm founded in 2000 by brothers Mike and Jeff Senske and headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company designs and installs bespoke aquariums across five aquascape categories — Hardscape, Live Planted, Decorative Freshwater, Reef, and Decorative Saltwater — serving both affluent residential clients and commercial end-markets including dental offices, law firms, architecture firms, hospitality, and retail. ADG positions aquariums as integrated art pieces within interior architecture rather than standalone pet-keeping setups, and operates a gallery and client consultation space at its Houston headquarters. The company holds exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Aqua Design Amano (ADA) products, including ADA aquarium tanks (90-P, 90-H, 120-P, 120-H, 180-P), Aqua Soil Amazonia substrate, and Step Series liquid fertilizers.

The underlying technology and craft base is artisanal rather than software-driven, anchored in expertise with the Japanese Nature Aquarium / Iwagumi style developed in close working relationship with ADA founder Takashi Amano. The company layers custom-built cabinetry, integrated drain and water-connection infrastructure, and dual-sided room-divider aquarium configurations into its installations, with an emphasis on architectural integration from project inception alongside interior designers and architects.

Revenue is generated through a blend of one-time custom installation projects (project-based, quote-driven, ranging from desktop 5-gallon units to 375+ gallon commercial reef systems) and recurring 24/7 maintenance service contracts. There is also a distribution revenue stream from ADA product sales to existing maintenance clients and as part of installations. The company does not disclose pricing publicly, has no disclosed external funding, and remains founder-owned, with operations conducted primarily across Texas and the Southeastern U.S. while collaborating with architects nationwide.

Name

Aquarium Design Group

Legal name

Aquarium Design Group

Website

https://aquariumdesigngroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Aquarium Design Group is a Houston-based custom aquarium design, installation, and maintenance firm founded in 2000, serving high-end residential clients and commercial businesses across five aquascape styles, and operating as the exclusive U.S. distributor for Aqua Design Amano products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Aquarium Design and Installation Services

NAICS

Interior Design Services (54141), Other Specialized Design Services (54149)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Features (Ponds, Fountains & Waterfalls) (HSAPALAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aquarium & Fish Supplies Retail (CRALAHAI)

Keywords

• Custom aquarium design
• Aquarium installation services
• Aquascape design
• Freshwater aquarium design
• Aquarium maintenance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Aquarium Design and Installation: Design and installation of custom aquariums for residential and commercial spaces. Projects range from small desktop aquariums to large custom installations spanning 10 feet or more. Pricing is custom/quote-based based on project scope, size, and complexity.
2. Ongoing Aquarium Maintenance Services: Routine and comprehensive aquarium maintenance services for existing installations. The company offers 24/7 availability for maintenance clients, including water changes, trimming/pruning of aquatic plants, water quality management, and general upkeep. Services are provided on weekly, bi-weekly, or custom schedules.
3. Aqua Design Amano Product Distribution: Exclusive U.S. distributor of Aqua Design Amano products including Aqua Soil Amazonia substrate, Step Series liquid fertilizers, aquarium tanks, and lighting systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Aquarium Design Group is a custom aquarium design, installation, and service firm specializing in five distinct aquascape styles: Hardscape, Live Planted (Nature Aquarium/Iwagumi), Decorative Freshwater, Reef, and Decorative Saltwater. The company also offers ongoing professional aquarium maintenance services and serves as the exclusive U.S. distributor for Aqua Design Amano (ADA) products including tanks, substrates, and fertilizers. Projects range from small desktop aquariums to large custom installations exceeding 375 gallons for high-end residential and commercial clients.

Product overview

Aquarium Design Group is a custom aquarium design, installation, and service company founded in 2000. The company offers five distinct aquascape styles: Hardscape (driftwood/stone-only designs), Live Planted (aquatic plant-based Nature Aquarium/Iwagumi styles), Decorative Freshwater (colorful freshwater fish with artificial or live plants), Reef (live coral with marine fish), and Decorative Saltwater (marine fish and invertebrates). The company serves both residential and commercial clients, functioning as an exclusive U.S. distributor for Aqua Design Amano (ADA) products including aquarium systems, substrates, and fertilizers. Additional offerings include custom-built cabinetry and professional maintenance services. The portfolio emphasizes integration with interior design and architecture, creating aquariums as focal points in living spaces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Custom Aquarium Design, Installation, and Maintenance Services End-to-end custom aquarium design, installation, and maintenance services for residential and commercial spaces, specializing in integrating aquariums into interior design and architecture with five distinct aquascape styles.
• Hardscape Aquascapes Custom hardscape-only aquarium designs featuring driftwood, stones, and rocks without live aquatic plants, suitable for species like discus, angelfish, cichlids, goldfish, and brackish water fish. Offers visual consistency and easier long-term maintenance.
• Live Planted Aquascapes Custom live planted aquarium designs featuring aquatic plants in Nature Aquarium/Iwagumi styles, incorporating ADA systems (120-P, 120-H, 90-P, 180-P models), ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia substrate, and Step Series liquid fertilizers; requires regular plant trimming and fertilization.
• Decorative Freshwater Aquariums Custom freshwater aquarium designs featuring artificial or live plants, colorful freshwater fish including discus, gouramis, African cichlids, and fancy goldfish for residential and commercial settings.
• Reef Aquariums Custom live coral reef aquarium installations featuring soft corals (LPS), hard stony corals (SPS), and reef fish, including two-sided room divider designs for commercial and residential spaces.
• Decorative Saltwater Aquariums Decorative saltwater aquarium installations featuring marine fish and invertebrates, including custom room divider configurations with on-site water preparation and saltwater mixing stations.
• Aquarium Maintenance Services Professional aquarium maintenance services for existing installations including routine water changes, water quality management, algae control, plant trimming/pruning, fish health monitoring, and general upkeep; available 24/7 on weekly, bi-weekly, or custom schedules.
• Aqua Design Amano (ADA) Systems Distribution Exclusive U.S. distribution of Aqua Design Amano (ADA) products, including ADA aquarium tanks (120-P, 120-H, 90-P, 180-P models), Aqua Soil Amazonia substrate, Step Series liquid fertilizers, and Arm Stands, sold as part of aquarium installations and to existing maintenance clients.

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Aqua Design Amano (ADA)coreTechnology or IntegrationAquarium Design Group is an exclusive U.S. distributor for Aqua Design Amano products, including Aqua Soil Amazonia substrate, Step Series liquid fertilizers, aquarium tanks, and lighting systems. The company uses ADA aquarium tanks (120-P, 120-H, 90-P, 90-H, 180-P models) and systems extensively in their installations and design work. ADG has worked closely with Takashi Amano (founder of Nature Aquarium style and president of ADA) and received Japanese Hakkai stones from him.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Others

• Aqua Design Amano (ADA): Japanese manufacturer and global leader in planted aquarium products and Nature Aquarium style. ADG is their exclusive U.S. distributor; ADA's product roadmap, brand prestige, and continued partnership directly shape ADG's product and service positioning.
• Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine: Long-running U.S. aquarium hobby publication that has featured ADG's work and represents the broader enthusiast and design-aware audience ADG's content marketing (YouTube, gallery tours) targets. Useful as an ecosystem reference point rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems: Large-scale commercial aquaculture and aquarium systems provider offering design, equipment, and life support for public aquariums, research facilities, and large commercial installations. Represents the broader incumbent ecosystem supplying the same equipment ADG integrates.

Direct peers

• Aqua Forest Aquarium: San Francisco Bay Area aquarium design and aquascaping specialist with strong focus on Nature Aquarium style and planted tanks - directly overlapping with ADG's live planted aquascape offering and ADA product affinity.
• Living Color Aquariums: Florida-based custom aquarium design, fabrication, and installation firm serving high-end residential and commercial clients with large custom saltwater and freshwater systems. Most direct U.S. competitor to ADG in the premium custom aquarium installation space.
• Aquatic Technology Center: New England-based custom aquarium design, installation, and maintenance firm serving luxury residential, commercial, and institutional clients. Directly comparable service offering and recurring maintenance model.
• Reef Aquaria Design: Custom reef and saltwater aquarium design and installation firm offering project-based services comparable to ADG's reef and decorative saltwater lines. Overlapping customer profile of high-end residential and commercial clients.
• Sea Dwelling Creatures (SDC): Los Angeles-based aquarium design, installation, and maintenance company specializing in reef and saltwater aquariums for residential and commercial clients. Comparable custom-installation service model with a West Coast focus.

Emerging players

• Underwater Gardens: Planted aquarium design and aquascaping specialist with strong Nature Aquarium and Iwagumi style focus. Overlaps with ADG's live planted service line but at a smaller, more hobbyist-focused scale.

Regional players

• Chicago Custom Aquariums: Midwest-focused custom aquarium design and installation firm offering project and maintenance services for residential and commercial clients. Comparable service model but concentrated in the Chicago metro rather than Texas/Southeast.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@aquariumdesigngroup
• Xx.com/adgvibe
• Facebookfacebook.com/adgonline

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aquarium Design Group