Low-iron vs Regular Glass

samnaz · Jul 23, 2017

To those who say they prefer low iron... why? Is it clearer or better quality/sturdier or something?

gotwins86 · Jul 23, 2017

Better clarity. Also more $$$. After having a tank with low iron, not sure I'd go back. I think it is way better.

Greaps · Jul 23, 2017

Low iron and clearer is best when the tank gets larger and has thicker glass walls. I just setup a 20g tank, glass is very thin and normal(not low iron) I honestly doubt I would be able to tell a difference, it appears crystal clear.

Husker · Jul 23, 2017

I have a 150 gallon starfire (low iron brand name) right next to a standard 55 gallon display refugium. Even with the 1/2" glass on my 150 gallon, it is visibly more clear than the 55 gallon and its thin glass. However, I agree with Greaps- if it is a smaller tank, I'm not so sure you could tell the difference unless it was next to a low iron glass tank (and even then it could be tough).

tvu · Jul 23, 2017

The low iron glass does scratch much easier.

Tyler Caviness · Jul 23, 2017

tvu said:
The low iron glass does scratch much easier.

Before I had my 60 cube with 3 panels of starphire glass, I read that too. However, I can say that I didn't scratch my tank at all and I cleaned it with a metal scraper blade, I'm sure I hit it with rocks, normal tank wear and tear. I didn't experience easy scratching

ReeferMaddness843 · Jul 23, 2017

Currently have a deep blue edge. Front panel is low iron. Can definitely see a difference looking through a side panel compared to the front. Clearer and nore true to life. Good stuff. I use a flipper metal scraper and have experienced 0 scratching.

gcarroll · Jul 24, 2017

My 220g tank did not have low iron glass. I can't tell you how many people commented that they loved how clear my Starfire tank was. Many of those people had Starfire tanks themselves. Do you think I told them it wasn't? Nope. I feel if the glass is 5/8" or over you should definitely consider Starfire but if 1/2" you can get away with it if you use black silicone in the seams.

Keep in mind that if the livestock in the tank is captivating, no one ever notices the glass, powerheads, cords or any other imperfections going on outside that glass box. And that's a FACT!

tj w · Jul 24, 2017

Always on point gcarroll!

Husker · Jul 24, 2017

gcarroll said:
My 220g tank did not have low iron glass. I can't tell you how many people commented that they loved how clear my Starfire tank was. Many of those people had Starfire tanks themselves. Do you think I told them it wasn't? Nope. I feel if the glass is 5/8" or over you should definitely consider Starfire but if 1/2" you can get away with it if you use black silicone in the seams.

Keep in mind that if the livestock in the tank is captivating, no one ever notices the glass, powerheads, cords or any other imperfections going on outside that glass box. And that's a FACT!

True. My tanks are basically empty now, so the glass is about the only thing worth noticing!

Husker · Jul 24, 2017

Double post

Gil03 · Jul 24, 2017

tvu said:
The low iron glass does scratch much easier.

I've owned both and will say I found no difference between the two in terms of scratch resistance.

alton · Jul 24, 2017

If you purchase PPG Starphire Low iron glass, scratching is not a worry. I have seen other brands of Low Iron scratch very easily. Where I noticed a big difference was when looking at/taking pictures. Plus there is one other factor, some aquarium companies use a cheaper glass than others which is more green/iron than others.

samnaz · Jul 25, 2017

gcarroll said:
My 220g tank did not have low iron glass. I can't tell you how many people commented that they loved how clear my Starfire tank was. Many of those people had Starfire tanks themselves. Do you think I told them it wasn't? Nope. I feel if the glass is 5/8" or over you should definitely consider Starfire but if 1/2" you can get away with it if you use black silicone in the seams.

Keep in mind that if the livestock in the tank is captivating, no one ever notices the glass, powerheads, cords or any other imperfections going on outside that glass box. And that's a FACT!

I completely agree, what's inside the tank is the most important part of it all. Making sure it all stays inside is kind of important as well and that was really my main concern... What glass is the sturdiest, less prone to leakage, lasts longer, etc. I'm not at all concerned about which glass is the clearest. Standard is plenty clear enough for me.

twistedfinn967 · Jul 26, 2017

gcarroll said:
My 220g tank did not have low iron glass. I can't tell you how many people commented that they loved how clear my Starfire tank was. Many of those people had Starfire tanks themselves. Do you think I told them it wasn't? Nope. I feel if the glass is 5/8" or over you should definitely consider Starfire but if 1/2" you can get away with it if you use black silicone in the seams.

Keep in mind that if the livestock in the tank is captivating, no one ever notices the glass, powerheads, cords or any other imperfections going on outside that glass box. And that's a FACT!

What does the black silicone have to do with it? Do you feel that it's because people can't see the green in the cut ends of the glass? I'm interested in this only because I'm going to do an upgrade to a 120 gal in the near future.

Radman73 · Jul 27, 2017

gcarroll said:
My 220g tank did not have low iron glass. I can't tell you how many people commented that they loved how clear my Starfire tank was. Many of those people had Starfire tanks themselves. Do you think I told them it wasn't? Nope. I feel if the glass is 5/8" or over you should definitely consider Starfire but if 1/2" you can get away with it if you use black silicone in the seams.

Keep in mind that if the livestock in the tank is captivating, no one ever notices the glass, powerheads, cords or any other imperfections going on outside that glass box. And that's a FACT!

I think so many people lose sight of this while chasing "perfection". I have had my tank look bad in my eyes but a friend or neighbor will come over and rave about how great it looks never mind the film on the glass that I haven't cleaned in a couple of weeks lol! People have got to keep things in perspective.

That being said, supposedly my new to me tank has starfire glass on it lol! Maybe I'll be able to tell a difference.

Jenna Bearden · Jul 28, 2017

IMHO, it's so much better with low iron glass for a show tank. You get to see colors that you really can see with regular blue/green tinted glass. I had a regular glass and a starphire glass aquarium in same room. Needless to say the details you can see in the starphire is truly amazing! I got rid of my regular glass and got another starphire tank!