How to differentiate between glass and starfire?

swimmingswammi · May 14, 2012

one is greener than the other from the edge? I figure starfire should be relatively clear top down at 24", but across 48 may be tough to tell the difference.

Acroholic · May 14, 2012

Here is a link with pics that may help:

Glasscages.com - Starphire Glass

poidog · May 14, 2012

You will be able to tell by looking through the edge. Starfire will be blue/clear will regluar iron glass will be very much green.

Ace25 · May 14, 2012

It also depends on the thickness of the glass. Less than 1/2" thick you would be hard pressed to tell the difference (I know, I bought a tank with 3/8" front panel starphire, sides are regular, and it looks identical). Once you get above 1/2" thick the difference becomes much more noticeable.

DEViSE · May 14, 2012

I've got two identical 40L tanks, one is standard and the other is front/sides using starfire. Personally, I can tell a difference when looking at the tank from angles.. not through edges, just from angles. Looking at it dead on, I couldn't tell a difference. Corners are definitely cleaner looking.

Reef Breeders · May 14, 2012

They are blue from the side, not green. Also, put a piece of paper on on side, and look through it. If the paper has a greenish tint, the glass is regular plate glass.

feh · May 14, 2012

You'll see the difference when the glass is clean. As far as the edges yeah low iron glass does have more of a bluish tint, but the glass is much more clear when filled and you have eye candy to view. Its worth every penny even at 3/8" thick.