"Diamond Glass"

[Chucky]

I heard that apparently this stuff is as clear as acrylic. Anyone ever heard about it? Is it stronger than regular glass?

Also, do Acrylic joints ever leak? Furthermore, is it difficult to make your own tank (like in the old Innes book, only using silicone instead of cement), or is the silicone job done under pressure?

 

[PJsea]

I'll answer the first part. The clear glass is called Starfire Glass and has low iron content. I don't think it is any stronger.

 

[Anonymous]

>..do Acrylic joints ever leak?

Yes, depends on the workmanship

>...is it difficult to make your own tank ?

Yes, but many people did it.

> ...is the silicone job done under pressure?

:? silicone usually dried in the absence of water...

 

[ChrisRD]

I heard that apparently this stuff is as clear as acrylic. Anyone ever heard about it? Is it stronger than regular glass?

"White" glass or low-iron glass has no tint, like clear acrylic. Starfire is a brandname. I don't think there's any strength difference compared to regular glass, not sure though. IMO the integrity of the silicone seams is a much bigger concern and the strength of the glass won't help that. :wink: Unless you have a very large tank with very thick panels, it's probaby not worth the extra cost IMO.

Also, do Acrylic joints ever leak? Furthermore, is it difficult to make your own tank (like in the old Innes book, only using silicone instead of cement), or is the silicone job done under pressure?

Properly constructed acrylic joints should never leak. One of the reasons many large aquarium owners prefer acrylic is the strength of acrylic seams vs. siliconed glass seams. An acrylic tank of the same size will also be lighter and has better temperature retention. The main advantages of glass is that it's cheap and more scratch resistant.

If you do some searches, there should be plenty of information online about constructing your own tank, but considering how cheap glass tanks are (I'm assuming glass because you mentioned silicone) I wouldn't bother personally. As for the silicone - I do believe they clamp the panels while the silicone is curing (to hold them in place).

HTH

 

[Len]

Starphire is a trademarked name for higher clarity glass made by PPG. There are other such types of glass, but starphire is most famous and most used. I believe it is only available up to 1/2" (which limits the tank size), but as far as I know, it's as strong as regular glass of comparable thickness.

 

[leftovers]

Starphire Glass is the PPG clear glass used typically on the front (and sometimes sides-L&R) of a tank to increase view pleasure.

Its thickness is from 2- 12MM and multiple sheets can be used to get the thickness required- laminated using clear laminate to maintain clarity.

 

[Anonymous]

I wonder if they will charge me more if I insist on using a green laminate to be sandwiched between the glasses...