How clear is starfire?

[jjk_reef00]

Is starfire as clear as acrylic (no color tint)?
When I switched from glass to acrylic I was amazed at how much I was losing with the tint.

I want to hear form some people who have had both acrylic and starfire tanks. How do they compare.

I know people love starfire because they don't scratch as easy.
And others like acrylic because scratches can be buffed out.

 

[Johnny C]

I never really cared too much, but when I went to Miracles Aquariums in Toronto to pick up my rimless, they had some of the Starphire tanks. I can honestly say that they are DEFINATLY clear, but whether or not it's worth the money is up to you. Personally, on my 3/8'' glass aquarium, I didn't get it because I heard that it scratches easier and it would have costed almost double.

For tank(s) with a glass thickness of greater than 1/2'', I'd definatly go for it. HTH

Here's a picture of them compared side-by-side (property of glasscages):

 

[jjk_reef00]

Thanks for the pic. That says it all!
Anyone know how easy it scratches?

 

[nyvp]

its doesnt scratch easy.Ive had 3 low iron tanks never had a scratch in any of them. last one was a 560/g 120x36x30

 

[Wd40]

I got my first rimless tank and went with starfire front to see the differnce. My tank is 1/2". TO be completely honest i dont see any difference what so ever!
Ive also heard it makes a big deal after 1/2"
Ohh and no scratches.. yet.

 

[Yogre]

I have Starfire in the front pane of my 215, and the front and sides are 1/2". I can see a difference in color rendition when I look through the sides versus the front, especially with the halides on.

I do have a couple of small scratches down by the sandline, but that's more a function of my buffoonery with the scraper than anything else. :lol:

 

[sjfishguy]

I have not noticed it scratches easier than glass. I have never even heard that. I have it on the front of my 58, don't notice a difference at all. I think its a waste of money unless the glass is >1/2''

 

[Goodwood]

I feel getting the front in SP it is a waste. Now, I will agree with Yogre looking through the side of a SP tank is spectacular. In the morning when the sun is shining in, it makes me smile.

 

[PrangeWay]

Starfire front on my Oceanic Tech 120 is as clear as my old acrylic 50. Easily.

You can also tell a difference between the starfire front and regular sides with one glance.


PW

 

[sjfishguy]

.

 

[GrampaDon]

My last tank is Acrylic [6 yrs old] Its made with 7/16 60x24x20
The tank I just transferred into from the acrylic is a "glasscages"
60x24x17 with 1/2in starfire on 3 sides. And after many years of glass tanks before I'm convinced the starfire was worth the extra cost. And cant tell much difference between clarity over acrylic.

Maybe because its still new and not scratched up yet. But I like the clarity in the glass tank a little better. And am planing out the baffle set up for the sump using the old acrylic. [It was looking hazy after 6 yrs of cleaning it using the "Acrylic Algae Pads"

 

[Skeptic_07]

here is another example

starphire on the left, normal in middle, and something in-between on the right.