Uvb penetrable substances

[Sezdawg]

I have a redfoot tortoise and I want to make the terrarium she's in more enclosed to boost warmth and humidity, however I don't want to expose my light fixtures to that moisture. Are there any clear materials out there that I could use for the top of my enclosure that would still allow the light from my uvb lamp in?

 

[wellington]

Tom has closed chamber and so do many others. They don't seem to have a problem with their lights. However, what you can do is cut a hole the size of just the light into what ever it is you use for a top. If it's just plastic, line the rim of the whole with tin foil, it will prevent the plastic from melting.

 

[turtlesteve]

Short answer is yes these materials exist, but are not cheap or readily available.

All commonly available glasses and plastics block UVA and UVB. Generally, "uv-transmissive" glass will transmit UVA but block UVB.

Fused silica and crystalline quartz will transmit UVB, as well as certain specialty high-silica glasses. Fused silica can be made into glass panes but is very expensive, it is generally used for scientific purposes.

I have had similar desires, and I'll post again if I can come up with any other ideas.

EDIT: The glass envelopes on mercury vapor bulbs and UV fluorescent tubes are made from fused silica or high-silica glasses to transmit UV.

Steve

 

[Sezdawg]

Wellington, that's easier said than done because I have a four foot double bulb fixture over my 4 ft by 2ft enclosure so any hole would basically make my efforts to improve humidity basically pointless haha

 

[wellington]

Next suggestion would be to build the sides up so you can install the lighting inside the enclosure. Do you happen to live where they can get outside for an hour or so 3-4 days a week? If so, you can eliminate a UVB light. That might help.