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Starphire glass tanks

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by violet21chewy, Feb 6, 2015.

  1. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    Is starphire glass really worth it? I can either get a 75 gallon rimless with star fire or a 90 or 125 non rimless and without Starphire. Which would you guys pick?
    Does Starphire also scratch easier?
     
  2. Fence13 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines
    Ratings:
    +300 / 1 / -0
    I would go for the bigger tank size. Always the bigger tank size.
     
  3. aussie Well-Known ReefKeeper

    698
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +174 / 1 / -0
    I agree with fence....... Bigger is better and more fun...... There is so many fish I can't have but want because I got a 75 gal
     
  4. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    you guys are making this really hard /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     
  5. Chris C. Experienced Reefkeeper GIRS Member

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    Starphire is a great view, it does make a difference. I have always been against bigger is better.

    The perfect setup for you is better. Dimensions, Space you have, Can you reach to the bottom, Where do you see your tank from, What animals are you putting in there.

    I would rather have a smaller tank where my budget can support it, then a large tank and my budget can not support it.
     
  6. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    I can get a 125 with stand, sump, skimmer, heater, return pump for 17.00 more than the 75 gallon rimless with starfire glass that also has sump, skimmer, heater, and return pump. The only difference in dimension is the extra 2 feet in length, height and depth are the same. I would have to buy another light fixture for the 125 and the 125 does have that center bracing so a bit worried about the shadowing since there will be a light fixture right over it. Also with the extra money spent on the light fixture I would have to wait to get a gyre......

    any 125 owners have trouble with the shadow in the center if there is a light over it?

    I am more a coral person than a fish person so not worried about making sure I have room for the fancy fish.
     
  7. jeremy Acro Addict

    Davenport, IA
    Ratings:
    +836 / 4 / -0
    I agree with Chris. All depends on what type and size of animals you want to keep. And it costs a hell of alot more to light a 6 foot tank than a 4 foot. If your not gonna keep large fish like tangs and such that 75 starfire would be an excellent pick. I am gonna get a startfire tank when I upgrade to a larger tank. I think they look alot better.
     
  8. Dave Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines Area
    Ratings:
    +450 / 1 / -0
    You can see what a center brace looks like when you stop out tonight as our 210 has 2 of them....
     
  9. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
    Ratings:
    +131 / 0 / -0
    Thicker the glass the more difference starfire makes. 1/2" is min I would think about paying a premium for, but with 3/4" the difference is huge. Pick whatever size you like. I am of the rare crowd that doesn't think bigger is better. It's like 2000 with suv size wars! Lol. I like to see people's reaction when I say it would be fun to have a larger tank for huge fish, but I don't want to downgrade!!
     
  10. Fence13 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines
    Ratings:
    +300 / 1 / -0
    Hmm....I'll have to test the difference of starfire glass in picture quality. Really tempting to see what kind of difference it can make /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     
  11. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
    Ratings:
    +131 / 0 / -0
    I forgot to add, according to ppg starfire is very similar in hardness to their regular float glass. So it doesn't scratch easier, but since it's so clear scratches that happen are more noticeable when it gets dirty. Sand is the biggest worry with getting it under a glass cleaner. I run BB and scratch free so far using the big flipper (for 3/4")with the metal blade.
     
  12. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    I was just told the same thing about 45 mins ago about the 1/2 inch glass. The 4 foot tank uses 1/2 inch glass and not really impacted by using starfire. if I went 125, the glass is thicker and would look better with starfire but that is way over my price range/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif. knowing this about the clarity on 1/2 glass helped a lot. I bit the bullet and got the 75 rimless.

    fence-let me know if you test the difference. it would be interesting to see!
     
  13. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
    Ratings:
    +131 / 0 / -0
    Nice! I am sure you will love the 75. I got my 1st rimless few months ago and am really enjoying it. You should make a build thread, either here or reef 2 reef, I like that place too.
     
  14. Fence13 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines
    Ratings:
    +300 / 1 / -0
    Well anyone with a starfire tank with thicker (1/2" to 3/4") glass want to volunteer their tank? /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/biggrin.gif

    Anyone with a regular tank can volunteer too for base shots in comparison but if needed we have photos of regular glass tank shots we can use.

    You should also do your build thread here because you like us here. /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif
     
  15. violet21chewy Well-Known ReefKeeper

    430
    Des Moines area
    Ratings:
    +46 / 0 / -0
    I will try...never actually posted a pic on girs /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/smile.gif I need to wait for the snow to go away so I can drive the tank to the back of the house so will pick up the tank sometime next month. Before when I had the time, I would have done all the diy stuff but now, I am cheating like buying the premade sump and just putting it all together. My husband won't even build the stand for me so I had to buy that too. I can't wait to get it going!!!
     
  16. gburkart

    gburkart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    489
    Ratings:
    +119 / 1 / -0
    dont get stuck in your back yard,i've been there.it's not fun lol
     

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