Starphire worth it?

S

Spar

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What is the typical take on whether Starphire is really work the extra expense or not? Seems like on the forums everyone gets giddy over it like it is a huge deal, but custom tank builders shun it off like it is a waste of money. The tank I am getting will be about $1500 more to get the Starphire front pane, so just want to gauge whether that higher expense should be taken or not!

Thoughts?
 
I recommend you go look at a tank that has starfire and one that doesnt. The difference is very apparent.

I love and appreciate the additional clarity of starfire glass, but I cant bring myself to part with the extra cash. Value and worth, thats really all on the individual. Just my two cents...
 
I don't think so personally, but to each their own. 9 out of 10 people would probably never notice and those that would probably looked at the edge of the glass to tell. Is it nicer? Sure, but not for what is asked for it. Do some searching here and you will see lots of opinions on it.
 
Starphire glass: a little softer, thus easier to scratch; far better clarity; no color shifting of what you see
Regular glass: harder, less expensive, adds a green hue to what you see.

I've had Starphire with my 280 for almost six years, and would never go back. The new tank is being made with the same. It takes a little more work to avoid scratching it, but compared to acrylic that's no big deal. Acrylic scratches if you just look at it wrong. I accidentally swiped my cleaning magnet across the angled acrylic tank in my foyer, snagged an Asterina starfish and proceeded to lay a swirly pattern all over the viewing panel. I was pretty incensed. However, I digress. This isn't an issue with Starphire, but metal blades or rusty scrapers can do damage so it is important to be careful. That's all I'm saying.

Just remember the tank is usually the cheapest part of the hobby, even if you spend more on your tank. [smilie=wink.gif]
 
I agree with Marc once you go starphire you will never go back. When clean it looks like the fish are swimming in the air
 
Thanks guys. I will likely go with it. Given it is going to be the focal-point of our main living and entertainment room of the house, the extra cost will be a wise investment. Plus, it would suck to buy without it and then regret it later.... no turning back afterward!
 
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