So, is starfire glass worth extra $$$

[cplev]

I'm starting a new tank project. This is an in-wall 150. What's the opinion on starfire glass? It'll add $250 and 8 weeks delivery. The time is not that big of a deal since I have some framing and such, but $250 a decent chunk of change.
Opinions Please!!!

 

[ccorpse27]

For a big tank yes. For a smaller tank, not so much. If you're doing all the work that it takes to do a through wall setup, you should get the starfire.

 

[cplev]

To add to the questions...My LFS carries Oceanic for starfire glass. He was explaining to me, though, that All-glass tanks and Oceanic are made in the same plant. Is Oceanic still a quality tank? Can anyone recommend other manufacturers who use starfire glass?

 

[DaveJ]

I own an older Oceanic back when they were a separate company... and the quality was indeed that much better. Now I think the quality may be the same, but they have jacked the prices up....

If I were you, I would pay the extra for the starfire as they are indeed nice tanks.

 

[hatfielj]

In glass 1/2" thick or more, it is DEFINITELY worth the money. The difference is huge and regular glass of that size is tinted an ugly green that is very noticable most of the time. If you can afford it, go for the starphire!

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

The starphire is the glass brand, not the tank brand. The quality, durability, and lifespan of the tank has alot to do with how well it was manufactured. The more durable and higher quality tanks tend to also have thicker glass. Thicker glass means greener tint which means you might want the glass to be Starphire (minimal tint due to low iron content). This all adds up to spending a good amount if you want to have a large, durable, and nice looking tank. Personally, if I had the money I'd go for it.

 

[cplev]

Can ayone suggest a manufacturer besides Oceanic using Starphire glass?
Two reasons... I like options and I'm worried about quality since All-Glass is making the tanks now. I remember back when I used to work in a FS, the Oceanic tanks were rock solid. There current ones no longer have the re-inforcing of the past...

If I need to go custom builder, can anyone recommend someone in South Georgia/North Florida?

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

Also, as to whether Oceanic is a decent brand or not. I think for something like a large in-wall tank you want a good warrantee. Go over the warrantee very thouroughly so you know exactly what the terms are. It doesn't matter if the brand has really good word of mouth, without a good warrantee I would not use it for an in-wall. If the Oceanic tank offers a good warrantee, I don't see why it wouldn't be worth getting.

 

[nick18tjetta]

If I was doing an inwall tank, there is not a reason (even cost) that would prevent me from going with a low iron viewing panel. Go for it. You may want to have you LFS check into getting a tank from Deep Sea aquatics. It is old oceanic quality (same guys build the tanks that built the oceanic tanks before they got bought out) and old oceanic prices.

 

[cplev]

Nick,
You're the MAN!! Now I just need to find a source for Deep Sea Aquatics in Florida. So far I only found sources in Texas.

 

[cplev]

Thanks Guys. I gave the name to my LFS. They're going to quote out from Oceanic and Deep Sea Aquatics!!
Thanks for all your help..

 

[Raul-7]

Here's another company I can vouch for, their quality is amazing but pricey.

http://www.aquariumobsessed.com/index.htm

 

[GobyJohnKenobi]

www.glasscages.com

They are in TN and I hear that they make good tanks. They offer starfire options on their tanks. I had one of their stands and canopies, and they were very well built.

Don't most manufacturers only warranty the tanks if they are placed on stands made by the same manufacturer?
Wouldn't a thruwall installation void the warranty?

I hope I'm wrong here.

 

[Raul-7]

I heard it's a hit and miss with glasscages.com ; their silicone job is sloppy, etc.

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

Goby, I wouldn't know myself, but it is definately something that one should know before buying the tank. I think some companies cover custom installation in their warrantees, but that might require that the company does the install work. Again, probably not a cheap option, but worth doing research.

The Aquarium Obsessed tanks are amazingly beautiful, but they are not worth the price if you are doing an in-wall. What makes them really nice is their eurobraced and rimless aquariums. But since you can hide the trim in an inwall, it isn't necessary.

 

[cplev]

I just took a look at glasscages.com. I Like the euro bracing W/O the plastic frame. I was already trying to figure out the trim needed to cover a tank frame (since they stick out further than the glass. No frame = flush with the gypsum board :-D
Does anyone have a link to Deep Sea Aquatics? Google couldn't find them and I would like to see a features list.

Thank guys for the help. Now I really have choices. Now I need to sit down and draw out the tank layout since you all have me convinced to go with starphire (and probably custom)