Is starfire worth it in 1/2"?

lastlight · #1 05-06-2008, 09:48 PM

That's exactly my thinking man.

If it's like $100 or even $200 I am prepared to beg. If not then I'm going ahead. Even tho I can't get anything else till after August at least I can stare at the tank!

lastlight · #2 05-06-2008, 09:54 PM

Well that wasn't the world's largest window for feedback. I'm leaving work...

My finger is ITCHY. Either way the ball rolls tonight!

Impulsively,

Me

Brent F · #3 05-06-2008, 10:01 PM

What about starfire for the front pannel only?

untamed · #4 05-06-2008, 10:06 PM

I suspect that the reason no one ever notices is that you only realize the visual difference when you are given a comparison. When I had the chance to examine a tank that was 1/2 starfire and 1/2 normal I thought the difference was substantial. (The glass on that tank was thicker than 1/2")

Another way to put it..... would be to say that it is like looking at the world through green sunglasses. When you first put them on, everything looks green....after a while, you don't notice anymore but the glasses are still filtering out non-green light. Your brain just tries to compensate.

mark · #5 05-06-2008, 10:08 PM

Picked Starfire for my 145g (front panels 3/8") mainly because is an room divider so didn't want to be seeing green if looking through both panes.

Where it was most noticeable was after waiting months and months for BVA to complete my tank was when I showed up to find they made the tank from regular glass. Just looking through the green monolith, it was enough to make me comfortable for the extra cost for Starfire (just had to wait a few more months for the tank I originally ordered to be completed).

wickedfrags · #6 05-06-2008, 11:19 PM

Starphire Glass from PPG is worth every penny. Plan on approximately 30% more costs +/-.

Considering that the tank is not that expensive in the grand scheme of things (live rock, lights, skimmer, reactors), I would highly recommend it. I have owned both and would never go back to regular glass.

Myka · #7 05-07-2008, 12:59 AM

I'd put thicker than 1/2" glass on that!!

bassman · #8 05-07-2008, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

I'd put thicker than 1/2" glass on that!!

Why is that? I have a 230 right now made from 1/2"

lastlight · #9 05-07-2008, 01:27 AM

Too late. I paid my deposit and should have the tank in 2 or 3 weeks.

We talked it over and with black siicone the ends look black anyways so looking on-end is a moot point. Not once with my 3/8" tank did I think it looked green.

Side by side with a starfire tank then yeah I'm sure the difference would be noticeable when looking in.

Before I made my mind up completely tho this thought crossed my mind. There is next to nobody lighting there tank with lights that mimick the sun. Everything is pretty blue to begin with. So I think after all is said and done the green tint isn't too great a concern for me.

Plus since this was all I could budget for right now (I was quoted about $500 ballpark more for the front and an end in starfire) I need to make myself feel better.

Thanks for the input guys. Hopefully the end result won't dissapoint!

Myka · #10 05-07-2008, 01:36 AM

The original question...I'm not a fan of Starfire. Hey, if it was the same price, then why not? But honestly, the color of the glass often helps your lighting look better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman

Why is that? I have a 230 right now made from 1/2"

I've seen tanks that size with cracked bottoms...that's all...no biggie.