General Care Discussion :: Climbing?

[SpotsMama]

A screen will block a lot of the UVB. There was a study done on this (UV Guide UK) and this is what was learned:

"If 5mm zinc plated mesh is placed in front of the tube, a 15-20% reduction in output is seen.

25-35% losses occur with fly screen of the type often used for chameleon vivaria."

If your screen has big holes (around 1/2" across) then it won't block too much of the UVB. If it has smaller holes, you should cut a hole in it over the basking area to allow the light to come on through.

[LOBO]

yea like i said in another thread i think everyone should use a lid with 1/2 inch or bigger holes. i have my cover for 2 reasons. one to keep gaia in and 2 to keep luna (our cat) out

[irisheyes24]

Thanks everyone. I'm leaving for the pet store in a few min to check out what they have. I hope they have one in stock! last night i put a cutting board over the part of his tank he can climb out of so that he couldn't excape! I hope they have one where the holes are big enough bc im kinda worried that if I cut a hole in it...he will try to get out of that too!

i think my turtle is psycho haha

[SpotsMama]

If you have to cut a hole in the screen, if you leave a rim of screen around the hole that should effectively keep him confined.

[darlaua]

Yes, I understand you! My turtle was doing the same thing, but I never thought he would do it. Boy was I wrong. I came back from dinner one night to find no turtle in the tank!!! As any parent would be I was in a complete state of panic and shock. He had to have fallen at least 3 feet from the top of the tank! Thankfully I found him and he is ok. I had to lower his stand and water temporarily until I get a screen or build a new platform for him. They are braver then I ever thougt!