Swiss aquarist Manuel showcases a 45-gallon reef aquarium, proving that a beautiful reef tank is within the reach of any aquarist, regardless of tank size!
Swiss aquarist Manuel showcases a 45-gallon reef aquarium, proving that a beautiful reef tank is within the reach of any aquarist, regardless of tank size!

You don’t need to have a monstrous aquarium to create an enjoyable and impressive display reef! Check out the reef aquariums from Swiss aquarist Manuel Amrein, based in Aesch, Switzerland who has been keeping reefs for about 6 years now.

Swiss and Salty’s 45-gallon Shallow Reef

This custom-built aquarium is the third that Amrein has created, and was only set up for 7 months at the time of this video. In the tank, circulation is provided by both the return pumps and propeller-style circulation pumps. Up above, the reef is illuminated by two AI Hydra 26HD led fixtures.

A view from above.
A view from above.

The life support systems for this aquarium are easy to understand, with a roller-mat filter (Theiling Rollermat Compact) and protein skimmer (Aquabee Cove i-130) being the main filtration equipment.

A look "under the hood" reveals uncomplicated filtration and automated dosing for maintenance of water chemistry.
A look “under the hood” reveals uncomplicated filtration and automated dosing for maintenance of water chemistry.

Supplementation comes in the form of Grotech Balling Basics, Corall ABC, and Vitamino M, administered by two GLH Dosers. The system is controlled with a GLH Profilux Aquarium Controller. 10% weekly water changes help keep everything in perfect balance, and the corals are clearly thriving in this young reef.

Imagine what it looks like now, just 4 months later since the video was uploaded. And, imagine what it will look like after a couple years…

Take a Video Tour of the 45-gallon Reef

Next time, we’ll show you Amrein’s other reef, another shallow-style reef. This one is 75 gallons, has a square footprint, and features a “volcano”?

You can follow Swiss and Salty on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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