Starphire or Regular Glass

Voltaire81 · Oct 13, 2015

Im getting quotes from different LFS in my area for a new tank, but wondering if Starphire glass is worth the extra 400-500 dollars for the tank.

Its going to be 72x30x24 with a tempered bottom and eurobraced but not sure if I should get a 3-sided Starphire glass.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

Vivid Aquariums · Oct 13, 2015

While I like the added clarity of Starphire glass I do not like the fact that it scratches easier then regular glass. I have had several customers who choose Starphire and wish they didn't. I choose regular glass for our store display tanks and am happy with that decision. I'd say save the $400-500 and put it towards nice corals.

Dave

Reefing Madness · Oct 13, 2015

3 sides of Starfire Glass is a must, trust me, it looks alot lot better than regular glass. Its close to Acrylic clear.

3Twinklets · Oct 13, 2015

I would go with Starfire.

Reef_Obsession · Oct 13, 2015

I went with regular glass, starphire is expensive scratches easily.

Voltaire81 · Oct 13, 2015

I feel this is going to be 50/50. Haha. I was leaning towards Starphire as well, but reading that it scratches easier than regular glass is making me worried.

LivinTheSwreefLife · Oct 13, 2015

I have starphire and have scratched it as well. All I will say is, if you go with starphire, be VERY careful. Don't use an algae magnet, use a scraper only.

gcarroll · Oct 13, 2015

I lied for 10 years saying my tank was starfire! Guys who had starfire tanks would compliment it all the time. I figured if they couldn't tell... Bottom line is if you ain't got nothing nice to look at in the tank, starfire glass makes for a good conversation topic! If the glass thickness is over 5/8" or thicker, I would start to lean toward starfire but at 1/2" it's up to you. The difference in cost isn't what it was when I bought my last tank.

alin2 · Oct 13, 2015

Definitely low iron glass. We have our entire shower enclosure in low iron glass and have not yet had issues with scratching. It's stunning at how clear it is and how it renders color so much more neutrally.

ReefBum · Oct 13, 2015

Low iron/starfire all the way! I had it for my old 225g tank and I did not hesitate to get it for my new 187g tank. The clarity is amazing! Scratches were not a concern.

Voltaire81 · Oct 13, 2015

Anyone have tiger shark magnets with starphire? Should i get rid of those if i get starphire?

steelheader.262 · Oct 13, 2015

Starfire for sure, well worth the money.

Voltaire81 · Oct 16, 2015

Thanks for everyone's replies! I ended buying a used 225g Leemar Starphire. I guess the decision was made for me. Once in my possession, Ill take pics and share.

Ill also start a new thread since I want to understand the best way to transfer my current livestock to the new tank.