UVB/UVA Through, Screen V.S. No Screen

[JLT]

Hello all,

I have a couple questions that I have seen asked throughout the forums but never really seen or found a solid answer on. Which there are a few people that I know would love to see some more/better feedback on this topic.

I have read that UVB and UV rays get reduced 50% if you have the bulb running through a screen.

Questions are,
When we/I are being told to put our UVB Tubes 6-8" from the basking area and beardie making that focus spot, Is that being said with the factor of a screen being in the way?

ALSO, Whatever the answer is. Does this answer also apply to people that have MVB bulbs?

So Screen V.S. No Screen Which is better for the Beardie?

Please any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JLT]

Please help here. I need to know because I really do not mind cutting a hole into the screen for the beardies health if it does matter.

Thanks

 

[fresnowitte]

I can't really be of much help.
I do know that the screen does block the UVB, but just exactly how much or if this is accounted for I have no idea. However I use MVB for the purpose that they are more like the natural sun so my beardies get the closest simulation. I personally think that if I were to use screens this would defeat my purpose. I usually suggest to people that just have to use a screen to have one made out of hardware cloth or a larger mesh so that it is not blocking the UVB. I mean why not make sure they are getting the optimal it's definitely better than guessing if you don't get an answer. :wink:

 

[tyryce]

Hello there,

There is a website http://www.uvguide.co.uk where some tests have been done on different uv bulbs and I am pretty sure they have also done some tests for screens vs. screens to see what the UVB output is. it is a pretty interesting website actually. You could check it out I guess and decide from there. I don't use a screen on my enclosure and I am using a MVB Mega-ray. My guy has MBD so I don't want to chance it since he needs all the rays he can get. Hope this helps.

Danielle

 

[carpetguy]

Please help here. I need to know because I really do not mind cutting a hole into the screen for the beardies health if it does matter.

Thanks

with babies i would cut the screen. eg. (2 clutches)and i think but I'm not totally sure because of a few variables but the one's with the cut screen are at least 30% bigger but are also 30 day's older and seem to have filled out much faster. the 1st clutch has a different set up that allowed me to do so,but the 1st week they were born they were able to get at least 6 -8 hours of real sunlight(unfiltered) over a 4 day period and that is a very crucial time. you can draw your own conclusion's . I would say unfiltered is best for all. every piece of knowledge help's

 

[nblisard]

I have been in contact with a very successful online breeder in helping me with my setup. It has been told to me that a screen blocks out approx. 30% of UVB rays. Hope this will help.

 

[AndyAMP88]

Also depends on the UVB tube you're using. ReptiSUN 10.0's would work much more efficiently on a screen than a ReptiSUN 5.0.. The MVB bulbs..they admit tons more uvb than a uvb tube, so I honestly believe you're fine with leaving it on the screen.

 

[JLT]

I appreciate everyone's input on this. I did however already cut a hole into the screen. I switched to an MVB and noticed not only a dramatic temperature drop with the screen in the way but also how affected the light was.

Thanks all

 

[Bret]

Per Bob Mac-Mega Ray—
If you are filtering these lamps by placing a screen between them and the reptile. Remember most screens will block between 40 to 60 percent of the UV from either a lamp or the natural sun, as viewed through the screen. A bulb emitting 75 uW/cm2 at 12" might only emit 30-40 uW/cm2 at 12", through screening. http://www.reptileuv.com

 

[viral013]

That was a good question! Now I'm thinking about cutting a hole in my screen, even tho I paid $30 for it...

 

[Bret]

Just as we humans wear sunSCREEN to block the harmful uv ray's, I think that most of this concern is due to the Tight Knit screens, the ones common to most aquariums.. As Beardies don't climb like Iguana's do and don't have this desire to hang from the top screen, you can custom make a screen top. Just make sure that the holes are NO SMALLER than 1/4-1/2 ". This will allow alot more UVB to get thru. One way to accomplish this is by making it out of Chicken wire. May have to cover part of it to keep in some heat, but at least it would be sufficent enough opening for the UVB.. :idea: