Starphire glass - worth the cost?

Hello to all,

I will admit that tanks with starphire glass DO look awesome and seem to be increasing in popularity.

With that said, I am interested in your opinions and for those of you who own a tank with starphire - to give me your feedback as an owner.

Does it scratch just as easily as regular? (i would feel awful enough scratching a "regular" glass tank).

Is maintaining it any different?

Does it have any bearing on algae growth / lighting issues?

I just wonder if the extra cost for the glass might be better invested in another aspect of the tank.

Looking forward to your opinions. Thanks in advance!

 

my understanding is it that you dont get the green tint that normal glass contains due to the ingredients in the glass and also it does not distort quite as much. I'm following along because i'd like to know as well.

 

The thicker the glass the more you would want starphire.
I have a 3/4" regular glass tank and an acrylic tank. The green really bugs me here lately cuz the acrylic is so much clearer... Going starphire next tank.

 

OMG it is soooooooooooooooooo clear... Next tank I'll switch...

 

The reason the green is there is because of the iron content. The starfire glass has zero iron and is amazing, I own one . If you like glass this is the tank for you. THE BEST VEIW YOU WILL EVER EXPERIENCE!

 

Ok, so the view is superior....a huge plus.

How about scratchability / maintenance issues?

does the clearer glass have any effect on light transmittance / algae growth issues?

keep the replies coming! and thanks

 

That must be a big tank to require 3/4"...

M

 

Algae and scratching seem to be the same except I've extra careful with the starfire if you know what i mean.

 

yes, this is true.

For a 3/8" thick glass front like mine, the cost of starphire was not worth it, especially since you can't see the edge of the glass and apply a placebo effect to it.

One thing that needs to be remembered is that starphire is not as stong as standard glass. Experienced tank builders use one size thicker when starphire is to be used.

 

That must be super heavy. I'm looking into it also (like I need more tanks).