Hello everybody my Oscar has a T5 HO 10.0 reptisun 22” UVB light. As of right now I have it on top of the screen but I was told that takes away 50% of UVB entering into the tank. Do you suggest I cut out that part of the screen below it or I just leave it as is? The brand said it’s fine to be on top of the screen but I keep hearing otherwise any advice would help and I’m sure Oscar would appreciate it
As long as basking spot is 12-15 inches on top of screen and cover is off the bulb meaning bulb is exposed it should be fine where it is--- the T 8 bulb is not as strong and would need to be inside the tank
Karrie
My advise is ALWAYS UNDER the mesh (any mesh) for the UV source and it's hood or dome. NEVER ontop.
The mesh can easily block over 50% the UVA & UVB (especially fine wire mesh) see
ref http://www.uvguide.co.uk/fluorescenttubemeshtests.htm
You can work out how much UV is blocked
Simple arithmetic
the shading fraction is 1- (G^2/(G+2d)^2) where G is the open length, the d is diameter of the wire.