Embee
Gray-bearded Member
Hi all,
I'm trying to decide whether or not to cut the screen top to "unveil" the UVB tube. Right now, we're in a starter tank, 15 gallon, longish (2 feet), but quite "squat" (only 10 inches high I believe). In his/her favorite basking spots, Cloudy can get to within 8 or 6 inches of the ReptiSun 5.0 (went with the 5.0 due to the small/short tank). We have a fine mesh metal screen, and I've read more than a few times that it can block out a substantial amount of UVB. Then again, I see plenty of vivs where people have chosen to leave the screen in tact. What is the general consensus on this? Or perhaps there is no consensus? That's fine too.
That said, since we upgraded the bulb (6 days ago), "Cloudy" has been really doing so much better. Before, he'd been getting sluggish, losing his appetite, and sleeping more. Since, he is awake more, eating more, and generally upbeat, so the new bulb (currently, on top of the screen) has been making an impact, certainly. However, Cloudy is small (4 - 4 1/2 months, only 7 inches), so his body has some work to do. I wonder if cutting the screen will help all the more, or if it will be overkill?
In any case, I'd love to get some opinions!
Thanks!
Em
I'm trying to decide whether or not to cut the screen top to "unveil" the UVB tube. Right now, we're in a starter tank, 15 gallon, longish (2 feet), but quite "squat" (only 10 inches high I believe). In his/her favorite basking spots, Cloudy can get to within 8 or 6 inches of the ReptiSun 5.0 (went with the 5.0 due to the small/short tank). We have a fine mesh metal screen, and I've read more than a few times that it can block out a substantial amount of UVB. Then again, I see plenty of vivs where people have chosen to leave the screen in tact. What is the general consensus on this? Or perhaps there is no consensus? That's fine too.
That said, since we upgraded the bulb (6 days ago), "Cloudy" has been really doing so much better. Before, he'd been getting sluggish, losing his appetite, and sleeping more. Since, he is awake more, eating more, and generally upbeat, so the new bulb (currently, on top of the screen) has been making an impact, certainly. However, Cloudy is small (4 - 4 1/2 months, only 7 inches), so his body has some work to do. I wonder if cutting the screen will help all the more, or if it will be overkill?
In any case, I'd love to get some opinions!
Thanks!
Em