Is starfire worth it in 1/2"? - Page 2

Myka · #11 05-07-2008, 12:59 AM

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

bassman · #12 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 · #13 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 · #14 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.

wickedfrags · #15 05-07-2008, 01:46 AM

My 270 is 12mm starphire. Less colour (green) in the glass also makes your tank look brighter as the glass absorbs less light, and your corals look more true. That being said - the equipment is not as important as the quality of the lifestock you put in it IMO.

Sebae again · #16 05-07-2008, 01:47 AM

Wondering why it takes so long to get a tank built. Is this something that is done when there is nothing else to do? ,that busy,or to make the customer feel like they are getting their moneys worth?

mark · #17 05-07-2008, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sebae again

Wondering why it takes so long to get a tank built. Is this something that is done when there is nothing else to do? ,that busy,or to make the customer feel like they are getting their moneys worth?

My case, guy running the show was just wasn't able to deliver though promised would be "ready next next" for months. Mis-management and had a few personal problems going on.

lastlight · #18 05-07-2008, 02:33 AM

The bottom is 5/8" for anyone interested.

I was told 2 weeks before it can be assembled because the 5/8" is being ordered in. The rest will be ground/polished and ready to go for that day. Then a couple days to sit and cure before I pick it up.

About the starfire tho...obviously if I had the money I'd have gone with the starfire. But I really wanted to get the tank now to stare at until August and to putter away with the stand till then. That and I really wanted the tank in my livingroom quickly so my wife can't pull the plug later =)

Delphinus · #19 05-07-2008, 04:08 AM

I don't think you'll honestly agonize over not having low-iron once it's up and running. I wouldn't sweat it at all. It's a "nice to have" but I don't think it's worth being a deal breaker. I would consider things like having the right overflow for what you want (e.g, two holes versus one if you want a Herbie overflow - coast to coast versus corner, internal versus external, etc.), the size and shape of the tank, and the type of bracing to be far more important considerations. And May versus August ... that too is no-brainer.

Also, I think water clarity has a bigger contribution to how clean a tank will look.
Glass just gets dirty and needs to be cleaned.

Oh, and I think low-iron glass scratches easier.

Hope that makes you feel a little better.

lastlight · #20 05-07-2008, 04:19 AM

Tony you are the MAN.

I have been agonizing already haha.

Other than the glass type I'm getting exactly what I want.

The overflow will be external and centered on the back. A nice 2 foot wide opening with 2x1.5" drains and 2x1" returns in it's bottom.

Eurobracing will have a 1" hole 8" from each back corner to accommodate 2 wavysea plusses.

What I'm most stoked about tho is that bevelled finish on all exposed edges. My 400 gallon was huge and ugly in comparison. The inner black plexi was also warped a bit and made viewing through the front quite distorted. I'm going with black painted back this time.

As I write this i'm playing with cardboard pretend sumps to see what fits under this stand. TOTAL loser.