There's a what looks to be glass or most likely plastic cover for my uvb tube fixture, I have a couple questions about it. Should I remove the plastic cover? Also, It's currently on the screen, and I know it prevents some of the uvb from going through, can I mount it on the side of the talk instead of the ceiling? I bought double sided mounting tape, but unfortuntely I think the fixture is too heavy so I don't know if I want to risk mounting it because it could fall on my dragon. Thanks in advance.
Yes, you have to remove the cover because it will block the UV rays, glass does the same so you can't mount it on the outside of the tank walls.
Also depending on the fixture, whether reflective or not, and distances from the basking spot you may have to move the fixture inside the tank so the screen isn't reducing the UVB too much.
I am a newbie but I'm reiterating information I received directly from Frances Baines, one of the leading authorities and researchers in this field.
Telling us what UVB bulb you're using and height of the enclosure would be helpful.