srcleary
Active Member
I have started a new build, (820 gallon corner pentagon tank) and you can follow it on my other thread. However I wanted to share what I learned today for anyone considering a custom tank with Starfier or low iron glass.
Fist of all I know the debates on color, clarity and if it is easier to scratch and not looking to revisit the debate here.
. After researching I decided if I was going to build a monster tank, spending 10s or 1,000 of $$$, I wanted Starfire glass. However when I asked the companies that were bidding on my tank, about the Starfre (or other low iron option), some companies had large price increases and some companies had much smaller (reasonable) increases to their build price.
Further research revealed that this discrepancy is more than likely based on whether the builder stocks the Starfire glass or not. Build prices are on the rise and I am seeing some build prices go up fast. If a builder has the Starfire glass in their inventory, they can build the tank at a much lower price than a builder that has to order the glass for one specific tank.
My encouragement, if doing a custom build, and ask the builder if they have the Starfire in stock. If they do, chances are their low iron option will be much more affordable. I assume not many companies are large enough to stock the Starfire, but it might be worth the research. I am currently negotiating with Miracle Aquariums and they do stock Starfire glass. However they also are expecting an increase when they have to re-order.
Obvious if you are not going to use Starfire glass, then ignore the above.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Fist of all I know the debates on color, clarity and if it is easier to scratch and not looking to revisit the debate here.
. After researching I decided if I was going to build a monster tank, spending 10s or 1,000 of $$$, I wanted Starfire glass. However when I asked the companies that were bidding on my tank, about the Starfre (or other low iron option), some companies had large price increases and some companies had much smaller (reasonable) increases to their build price.Further research revealed that this discrepancy is more than likely based on whether the builder stocks the Starfire glass or not. Build prices are on the rise and I am seeing some build prices go up fast. If a builder has the Starfire glass in their inventory, they can build the tank at a much lower price than a builder that has to order the glass for one specific tank.
My encouragement, if doing a custom build, and ask the builder if they have the Starfire in stock. If they do, chances are their low iron option will be much more affordable. I assume not many companies are large enough to stock the Starfire, but it might be worth the research. I am currently negotiating with Miracle Aquariums and they do stock Starfire glass. However they also are expecting an increase when they have to re-order.
Obvious if you are not going to use Starfire glass, then ignore the above.
Hope this helps.
Steve
