Is starfire worth it in 1/2"?

mark · #1 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 · #2 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 · #3 05-07-2008, 12:59 AM

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

bassman · #4 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 · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 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 · #8 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 · #9 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 · #10 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 =)