To Starphire or Not to Starphire?

M

Mike M

I don't know if this would fit better in the equipment section but I thought I'd just go ahead and post it here. Mods, please feel free to move if this belongs in the "Equipment" or other section.

Here's the deal: I am getting quotes on a custom rimless tank, 84" x 30" x24" and stand. I've considered euro-braced and trim options but would just rather go rimless. For this size, I need to go with 3/4" glass and, the requisite cost increase. I originally wanted to do a Starphire front panel as I doubt there will be much side viewing given the tank's location and possibility of it going in-wall if I ever move and get a custom home. Of course, Starphire 3/4" would add a significant amount to the cost of the tank.

I've researched and seen the differences of the glass side-by-side and heard some say that once you have water, livestock, and lighting setup that it does not make much of a difference while others say it is night and day.

Looking for opinions on this one and what you would do if you were in my shoes.
 
If 2 tanks are side by side and one is starphire and the other is not you will know which one is not. I have never once looked at an awsome tank and wondered if the glass is starphire or not, and I have never thought man this is a nice tank it would look even better if it were starphire. My point is i think what is on the inside will make a tank not what the glass is.

If you have the cash sure go for it, other wise save it for some nice corals.
 
You can tell the difference in the two different types the coral coloration viewing through starfire is a lot nicer looking and tank looks cleaner!
 
I would agree with Steve on this one. Having had both, i don't tell much o a difference unless I am thinking about it. Will anyone outside the hobby care? No. Will anyone in the hobby notice without being told? Maybe half, if that.


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With the tanks empty and side by side, if you place the same photo in each one, the difference in clarity and coloration is very obvious. A nice tank is a nice tank but if you are custom building it, I would give it that lil' extra touch just for myself especially on a tank that size.

Cheers,
 
Going 3/4" glass it will be more noticeable in difference between starphire and non starphire.


Also depends on how clean you keep the glass if you are anal or lazy. If you keep your glass spotless than go starphire if you are lazy and clean your glass less often and algae and corraline are on it then go reg glass.



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Thanks all for the quick replies. Y'all just gave me the rationalization and reinforcement I needed to go Starphire!
 
id go with starfire front and sides. my tank is low iron and even then gets a bowing effect at different angles. id also go little taller say 28". l
 
Thanks, I want to keep the height down just so that it is easier to reach in and get to things without having to get on a ladder or step stool and then not be able to really see what I'm doing.
 
I use an easy blade/mag float for coralline on mine and use a magnavore 4er for daily cleaning


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Always Starphire glass. The difference between a tank with Starphire and one with out is obvious. One has incredible clarity, and the other will have a slightly green hue to the livestock. If you run it with fresh carbon, the tank will look crystal clear.

My 280g was Starphire, as is the 400g. The back panel is regular glass because I thought I'd put limo tint on it and never view from the fishroom side. I ended up changing my mind and left it clear, and have regretted that I had regular glass on that side. The livestock wasn't as pretty, because of it.

I never use any metal scrapers or blades on it, because it can scratch more easily. I use credit cards, hotel room cards, etc... and my Hammerhead Magnet.
 
Yeah, I guess things can change on tank placement so I should take that into account. It is not that much more to get 3 sides of Starphire instead of just one side. I guess you guys have run into this too where you start with a tank build in your mind and then find out, well, adding X won't cost THAT much more. Repeat ad naseum until you get to the point where the cost of the setup has tripled! [smilie=smile.gif]
 
If this your dream tank and be your last one. Spend the money now or you will want to upgrade later.




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Thanks Jason. I like the open top rimless look so I'm going with beveled edges, rimless and trimless. Think of it as a massive rectangular Solana.
 
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