Screen Top or solid top with back and side Vents?

[joeva]

I am about to undertake making a larger viv for my beardie. I have looked at all the different styles and plans and know what I want to do and how big I want it. The only thing I am trying to decided is if I should use a screened top with the lights sitting on it (which is what I am using now wiht my aquarium). The screened top would provide the ventilation. Or, should I have a solid top with the lights mounted inside and put vents on the sides and back for ventilation.

Which is the better method?

My enclosure will be 40x30x24 which will give ample room for my beardie to move around in.


Thanks

 

[WyattKB]

i would mount the lights inside, it looks nicer.

 

[MrWhite]

UV light should be on the inside for maximum UV exposure even if you decide to use a screen top. The screen will filter out quite a bit of the UV rays.

 

[WyattKB]

^ That reason too, lol

 

[jodyberry]

I put mine on the inside. I think it gives it a cleaner look, too:

http://jodyberry.smugmug.com/Vivarium/Vivarium/15140299_RNgEn#1137740208_dWTgh

 

[MartianMonkey]

@jodyberry where did you get the metal runners for the glass doors?

 

[jodyberry]

Its actually two pieces of 1/4" aluminum channel from the hardware store. And I actually used plexi for the sliding panels.