General Care Discussion :: UVB light through a screen

[mat012]

Hi again,

I am setting up a newer and bigger tank for Tuck (yeah). I am still going to use a screen on top of the tank though. I have a compact bulb fixture (long like a florescent tube) with a UVB 7% in it. It is ESU brand. I have read that the screen can reduce the output of the light up to thirty percent - so you need to move the light closer than the suggested 10-12" from the basking area. Is this true? Does anyone else use a light over a screen?

Thanks.

Melissa

[marisa]

I've never used a screen and I'm not sure why you feel the need to. If the screen is just to support the light, perhaps you could find something with larger spaces that the light could rest on to let in more of the UVB rays.

[Bladedvixen]

I use a light over a screen. I have a zoomed power sun UV mercury vapor which sits over the screen. We put the light close enough to get the basking area to around 90 degrees (Jacksons favorite basking temp)... so far he has been fine. Just try and keep the holes on the screen from being too small. the bigger the holes the better.

[marisa]

I'm curious as to why you're using a screen with a Powersun. Is it not suspended over the basking area?

[Bladedvixen]

I'm curious as to why you're using a screen with a Powersun. Is it not suspended over the basking area?

It is suspended, I need the screen to keep curious kitties from getting my 2 inch baby! (they have already tried )

[mat012]

I have cats as well - and kids. I dont know which I am really trying to protect Tuck from but the screen works for both.

Bladedvixen, how far are away (inches) is your basking platform from the light?

[Bladedvixen]

It sits about 14 inches away and close to 7 inches from the screen. here is a picture



the light is clamped to a garden hoe that is secured by the blade sitting underneath the tank. The other light is a halogen light that adds more light to the tank (my little man likes to bask the most when the two are both on his basking area)

[mat012]

Very cool. I hadnt thought about using a hoe! I was just pricing the light stands today and was annoyed at how much everything for this little one costs. I bet I could find a childs garden hoe for next to nothing! Thanks for the info and the great idea - actually I think we might have an old one already - even better!

[Bladedvixen]

I got my garden hoe from wal mart for less than 5 bucks. works just as good as any specialized stand ^_^

[maryR]

Hey Y don't u just take a pencil or another instrument and poke holes all over the screen where the UVB bulb is, Or if you can find an old oven rack and clamp it to the sides of tank that might keep em out and let rays thru!! Also good is chicken wire big holes but cat proof. I am going to make one with a wood frame to fit snug on top and paint it an oak color to match tank...