Starfire glass?

lastlight · #1 04-08-2011, 04:20 PM

I've always gone standard def. Ignorance is bliss and so is saving a bunch of skrilla.

Ramsov · #2 04-08-2011, 05:14 PM

Just got my tank Tuesday and extra cost was well worth it ! Only on the back and front panels

wickedfrags · #3 04-08-2011, 05:37 PM

Agree with most, starphire/low-iron glass is worth every extra penny. And if you think the glass tank is expensive.........find a new hobby!!!

cale262 · #4 04-08-2011, 06:13 PM

Well, the way I looked at the whole issue of cost (starphire vs. reg.) the tank is the most important piece of equipment in the fact that any other component is easily swapped out and upgraded, If you want to swap out the tank, all the time invested is lost and you almost have start off from scratch with a new box...

lastlight · #5 04-08-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickedfrags.com

And if you think the glass tank is expensive.........find a new hobby!!!

I do... and I won't =)

Careful planning, finding deals and making connections within the hobby (especially for frags) goes a long way to making it possible for people like myself who have pretty humble budgets. Personally I think the cost of starphire is significant but of course it's nice to have.

JohnnyReeftank · #6 04-08-2011, 06:24 PM

What is the difference in price?

sphelps · #7 04-08-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyReeftank

What is the difference in price?

Depends on the supplier or builder but for something along the lines of a 90 gallon tank (custom built, not off the shelf price) you can expect to pay $100-$150 more to get three viewable sides in starphire. Lower volume builders or suppliers may charge more and it pays to shop around.

lastlight · #8 04-08-2011, 07:19 PM

It'd be very likely that the front pane would be tempered if you skimped on thickness. Sure it'll maybe take a hammer to the face of the panel but watch that you or your kids don't tap the edge of that pane. POP!

sphelps · #9 04-08-2011, 06:31 PM

The other thing to consider on the subject of clarity which is often over looked is proper tank design with the correct thickness. I don't know how many times I see people brag about their superior built tank which is, well built like a tank and the glass is almost twice as thick as it needs to be. Even with starphire if you build your tank out of 15mm (5/8) instead of 10mm (3/8) you've achieved absolutely nothing except making it harder to move. Even 10mm glass is extremely strong and can be struck with a hammer without causing damage. If you want a stronger tank go with tempered glass which is more effective and will cost much less in comparison. Tempered glass is 4 times as resistant to impact and it won't effect clarity, just don't temper the base.

AquaticFinatic · #10 04-09-2011, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickedfrags.com

Agree with most, starphire/low-iron glass is worth every extra penny. And if you think the glass tank is expensive.........find a new hobby!!!

I'm not that bothered about paying for it as I have done it with the tank I have now. Back then I never heard of it scratching more easily. I just want to make sure that as this is the tank I want to be my last for a long time I make the right choice. Thanks for the info so far. Im thinking I'm going to go for it again.