Ahh, Germany – a land of engineering marvels, renowned beer, and, as I recently discovered, some of the most dedicated reef keepers in the world. My recent trip was more than just sightseeing; it was a deep dive into Germany’s reefing scene. I had planned to visit some friends at Nyos and White Corals, and Corey, a fellow enthusiast known as “The Coral Head,” reached out with a suggestion: a visit to one of Germany’s most admired private tanks. When I heard it was Mara from “Mara’s Reef,” my answer was an immediate and enthusiastic, “100% let’s do it!”
After packing up the essentials—my camera included—we headed out from Stuttgart, Porsche’s iconic hometown, for an hour’s drive to Mara’s home. Upon arrival, the glowing blue light spilling from one of the windows confirmed we had reached a true reef sanctuary.
Mara’s husband, Christoff, welcomed us into their beautifully maintained home. And there, in full glory, was the reef tank I’d admired for years online. Seeing it in person was a completely different experience, a moment of awe no photo could truly capture. Mara greeted me with a warm hug and treated us to a spread of homemade cake, baked using eggs from her backyard chickens—a thoughtful touch that set the scene for a perfect visit.
Observing the tank, I found myself at a loss for words. The colors, the meticulous placement of each Acropora, and the sheer vitality of the system left me entranced. As Mara explained her journey, I was astonished to learn her system was just about to turn three years old. Her dedication to coral health was immediately evident. She uses a turkey baster daily to clear away any detritus, ensuring the corals can thrive in their positions without obstruction. The results of this care were everywhere to see.
Mara also shared that she had recently trimmed back some of the corals and relocated the frags to her basement. This led us to the sump room, a hidden hub of reefing magic. As we moved around the tank, Mara pointed out a striking red stag horn coral that almost crowned the aquascape but wasn’t quite to her liking—proof that even perfectionists see room for improvement.
Written, filmed and produced by Stefan Zaremba aka The Yorkshire Reefer
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