Normal Glass vs Sapphire/Starphire Glass tanks

[May&Bruce]

After first having a 3' then a 5' reef tank and a nano we have decided to just have a nano, as I travel so much - and it is too much for May to look after while I am away.

Soooo, I am going to DIY a beautiful nano cube tank like the new Italian ones on the market but at a fraction of the price (I hope).

My questions are:

1. How much price difference is there between an 18" x 18" x 18" tank in normal glass vs in starphire/sapphire glass?

2. Can you recommend a tank maker who can do a good job building a tank in starphire/sapphire glass?

I have always previously used a guy in Hougang to make my tanks, but I haven't aksed yet whether he does starphire/sapphire glass.

You can tell me if I am wasting my money on starphire/sapphire glass, but I do believe that it looks a lot better than normal glass.

Thanks!

Bruce

[Solo77]

try the shop near GO...alantic or alantis....maybe you can use 3 sides, leaving the base and rear normal glass.

[Terryz_]

Can go for Low Iron Glass too.. It is cheaper than Starphire..

[TayHongSiang]

After first having a 3' then a 5' reef tank and a nano we have decided to just have a nano, as I travel so much - and it is too much for May to look after while I am away.

Soooo, I am going to DIY a beautiful nano cube tank like the new Italian ones on the market but at a fraction of the price (I hope).

My questions are:

1. How much price difference is there between an 18" x 18" x 18" tank in normal glass vs in starphire/sapphire glass?

2. Can you recommend a tank maker who can do a good job building a tank in starphire/sapphire glass?

I have always previously used a guy in Hougang to make my tanks, but I haven't aksed yet whether he does starphire/sapphire glass.

You can tell me if I am wasting my money on starphire/sapphire glass, but I do believe that it looks a lot better than normal glass.

Thanks!

Bruce

Go for rimless....

[peacemaker]

You might wanna consider acrylic. I'm currently using 3 sided crystal glass. IMO, much clearer compared to normal glass, but still has some slight distortion at certain angles.

[pweesng]

I asked ML before. The Italian one on display has 1 side crystal glass....

to customise something like that, the difference is around $50 to $60 (for 1 side) as compared to normal glass.

I tried to look thru the crystal and the normal glass panels... honestly, cannot tell the difference leh...

[comycus]

If I had the $$ and chance to start a new tank, I would go for starphire rimless. Especially for a small tank, the price difference will not be as substantial compared to a 6ft.

[digibee]

Hi, I am starting a 2 ft tank and very new in marine.

What is the difference between sapphire, cyrstal, and low iron glass; beside the cost difference?

Thanks!

[comycus]

Hi, I am starting a 2 ft tank and very new in marine.

What is the difference between sapphire, cyrstal, and low iron glass; beside the cost difference?

Thanks!

Where did you come across the term crystal glass?

I believe Starphire is a brand of low iron glass.

[TayHongSiang]

Go for rimless and request for low iron on the front and left and right panel and normal on the bottom.

Click the link and drool.

http://www.reef2reef.com/index.php?pageid=rotmnov

[digibee]

2 tank makers told me there is crystal glass.

Some more got USA or China crystal glass; different pricing.

[May&Bruce]

OK.....Well, i like the idea of acrylic for clarity but know it will scratch, so that is out. I think I will settle for starphire on 3 sides with normal glass on the rear and bottom.

What does "rimless" mean?

"try the shop near GO...alantic or alantis" where is this "GO" (sorry for being blur).

Any other good tank maker recommendations?

Thanks fellow reefers!

[comycus]

OK.....Well, i like the idea of acrylic for clarity but know it will scratch, so that is out. I think I will settle for starphire on 3 sides with normal glass on the rear and bottom.

What does "rimless" mean?

"try the shop near GO...alantic or alantis" where is this "GO" (sorry for being blur).

Any other good tank maker recommendations?

Thanks fellow reefers!

Rimless = no bracing at the top.

Atlantic glass industries, near Golden Octopus, one of our sponsor.

Can try Aquarium Artist if you want another recommendation, also one of our sponsor.

[May&Bruce]

Rimless = no bracing at the top.

Atlantic glass industries, near Golden Octopus, one of our sponsor.

Can try Aquarium Artist if you want another recommendation, also one of our sponsor.

OK. Thanks

[digibee]

Hi, May&Bruce,

3 of us are going to get our tank custom made.

If you are interested to join in, let me know.

Maybe we can get better deals if we order 4 at one time.

Cheers!

[comycus]

Hi, May&Bruce,

3 of us are going to get our tank custom made.

If you are interested to join in, let me know.

Maybe we can get better deals if we order 4 at one time.

Cheers!

Hope you get a good discount too! But must remember, there is only 1 tank maker and he cannot do all 4 tanks at the same time. Best is not to rush the job too so you get good quality, cured tank.

[zorden]

4 deals. cool. i will show a close pic of my tank once it arrived @ 1pm. well its ultra clear class from alantic glassware. the one beside GO.

[dachkie]

4 deals. cool. i will show a close pic of my tank once it arrived @ 1pm. well its ultra clear class from alantic glassware. the one beside GO.

wah finally , faster update your tank thread