UVB - Mesh or No Mesh?

[PogoLover]

I am using a ReptiSun 10.0 T8 UVB tube that runs the length of my cage. Currently it sits in a fixture that sits on top of the wire mesh cage lid (not loose mesh/not tight mesh - about medium), meaning the light has to go through the mesh to get to the dragon. Because it is a 10.0 T8 and Pogo spends a good amount of his time on or near his basking spot, I thought the mesh would be OK. His basking spot and other sitting place are about 6-10" away from the bulb itself (depending on where he is sitting).

He is acting fine other than his small appetite (I have only had him for a week, and he just started shedding - so those might be the reason for the small appetite). He poops daily (skipped only one day). He moves around his cage fine. He is alert and curious.

My question - does this sound OK with the mesh (I know Zoo Med says its OK, but I never trust the reptile product companies)? I am afraid to cut holes in the mesh because then maybe he will be getting overkill on the UVB since he sits close to it.

 

[KendraA]

In my understanding, mesh blocks out about 30% of the beneficial UVB. Here is a website with some useful info:
http://www.uvguide.co.uk

Also here is a yahoo group where people measure and discuss UVB; in their "Files" tab they have charts measuring the strength of different lights at different distances. At the moment there seems to be a problem with my account I'm not able to access "Files" and wasn't able to look up your light/setup, but hopefully this will help you out:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/UVB_Meter_Owners/info

 

[PogoLover]

Thanks, KendraA!

 

[AcceptableGeek]

Agree. No mesh if possible

 

[Taterbug]

It's going to be hard to exceed safe limits with a T8. Do you have a reflector on your fixture?

I've summarized Fran's data (the link Kendra posted) and also estimated the "with screen" values. You can refer to them here, I hope it's useful.

https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides

 

[Taterbug]

Agree. No mesh if possible

Agreed

 

[PogoLover]

It's going to be hard to exceed safe limits with a T8. Do you have a reflector on your fixture?

I've summarized Fran's data (the link Kendra posted) and also estimated the "with screen" values. You can refer to them here, I hope it's useful.

https://sites.google.com/site/thelizardmadness/lighting-guides

Well, double poop - he probably is not getting enough UVB. I am using the Zoo Med 36" fixture for which the box says "built-in reflector" (and I just probably gave myself eye cancer double checking that it had a reflector!). Either way, I definitely need to cut the screen.

Thank you SOOOOOO much! I was sifting through so many articles - total information overload, but I can actually understand the chart that you attached (I hope).

I am freaking out because he completely stopped eating yesterday - his appetite was OK the first day and the for the last week has been going down and down each day, until nothing. I hope if I cut this screen, it helps.