Meet CHARLE! 👋

My name is Charle, I live in France, and I'm passionate about reefkeeping and creating reefscapes. Like many here, it all started with a fascination for reefs… then two true passions emerged within this hobby: reefscapes and Acropora culture. Observing the growth of SPS corals, understanding their needs, and designing the structures that will support their development is what I'm most passionate about. For me, the reefscape is the foundation of the future coral garden.

Charle's Story

2013

The Passion Began

It all started with a fascination for coral reefs and marine aquariums. Like many aquarists, I began with my first reef tank. But I already wanted something different, so I had a shallow reef tank built measuring 70 x 70 x 30 cm. This tank allowed me to gradually discover the complexity and beauty of this reef ecosystem. Very quickly, a preference emerged: SPS corals, and in particular Acropora, whose shapes and colors immediately captivated me.

2016

DISCOVERING REEFSCAPES

Over time, a new passion appeared: creating reefscapes. I began experimenting with different structures to create unique, airy, and floating landscapes, designed to optimize water circulation and provide distinctive locations for Acropora growth.

2018

JOINING SOCIAL MEDIA

I decided to share my passion on social media under the name Charle ShallowReef. I post my landscapes, the evolution of my aquariums, and the growth of my corals. Feedback from the reef community motivates me to continue refining my structures and deepening my knowledge of Acropora maintenance and coloring.

2021

SIGNATURE AQUARIUM

In 2021, I created one of my most striking reef aquariums: a 130 × 65 × 45 cm tank. This project represents a significant milestone in my journey. It allowed me to delve much deeper into my vision of reef capping, working on the structure, visual balance, and space dedicated to coral growth. This tank was also a true learning experience in Acropora culture, as I learned to optimize parameters, lighting, and water flow to achieve growth, health, and vibrant colors.

2023

FISH ROOM BUILD

To further explore my passion and create reefscapes, I set up my own fish shop. This dedicated space allows me to fully enjoy my aquariums, but also to work in better conditions: preparing my reefscapes, testing different structures, and monitoring the progress of my projects. It's also a space that allows me to cultivate and observe different varieties of Acropora, in order to better understand their growth and needs.

2024

RESETTING MY AQUARIUM

In 2024, I made the decision to completely redesign my most iconic aquarium. This reset allowed me to improve the reefscape, optimize water circulation, and create a more minimalist and airy structure, perfectly suited to the growth and display of corals.

About Charle's setup

There’s something instantly striking about the Charle Shallowreef. It’s a shallow, wide-format system built entirely around an SPS-dominated vision, where structure and flow take center stage. The aquascape isn’t just rock stacked on rock — it’s a carefully crafted layout with negative space, shelves, and overhangs that give every coral room to grow and stand out.

At 52 by 26 by 18 inches (130 × 65 × 45 cm), the dimensions create that signature shallow reef look — wide, open, and perfectly suited for high-energy SPS. Lighting is pushed to the next level with three Illumagic X4s across the main display, supported by a Vitamini and four Pixel Fragger units to eliminate shadows and drive even growth across the entire scape.

Underneath, a Great White GW-22 skimmer keeps the system clean and stable, allowing the corals to thrive in ultra-clear, nutrient-controlled water. It’s a system built for precision — where light, flow, and structure all come together to showcase SPS at their absolute best.

Dimensions | 52x26x18 inches or 130x65x45 centimeters

Lighting | 3x Illumagic X4, 1x Illumagic Vitamini & 4x Illumagic pixel Fragger

Filtration | Great White GW-22 Skimmer