What should my UV meter read?

[zackary2431]

Hi, I’m a little bit confused on UV meters cause this is my first time using one and I recently bought 10.0 t5-ho fluorescent tube for my baby INDAIN STAR, what range should my Uv meter be reading for my baby Indian star? 10.0? Sorry if it sounds dumb I just genuinely don’t know ! and how far should I place the uvb from the enclosure ? Thanks

 

[ATHiker17]

The Indian Star is a Ferguson zone 3 reptile, requiring a UVI of 2.9 to 7.4 in the basking area and then naturally decreasing in all directions from that point. Remember, those numbers are at shell height, so you need to get the TOP of Solarmeter pointed directly at the bulb from that height, or do a complicated calculation based on how high the sensor is above shell height. So, place the bulb at a height which gives you those numbers and recheck every few weeks to confirm your getting what you expect.

 

[zackary2431]

The Indian Star is a Ferguson zone 3 reptile, requiring a UVI of 2.9 to 7.4 in the basking area and then naturally decreasing in all directions from that point. Remember, those numbers are at shell height, so you need to get the TOP of Solarmeter pointed directly at the bulb from that height, or do a complicated calculation based on how high the sensor is above shell height. So, place the bulb at a height which gives you those numbers and recheck every few weeks to confirm your getting what you expect.

Thank you so much happy holidays

 

[ATHiker17]

You as well!

 

[Tom]

Hi, I’m a little bit confused on UV meters cause this is my first time using one and I recently bought 10.0 t5-ho fluorescent tube for my baby INDAIN STAR, what range should my Uv meter be reading for my baby Indian star? 10.0? Sorry if it sounds dumb I just genuinely don’t know ! and how far should I place the uvb from the enclosure ? Thanks

I totally agree with @ATHiker17 just for one more voice of agreement.

There is a wide margin of acceptable levels. You will probably find the correct level around 15-18 inches with a 10.0 T5 HO tube, but every bulb and every enclosure is different, so its great that you got a meter to actually check it, instead of guessing and hoping.

Also, in case you haven't seen this elsewhere, the tube only needs to run for a few hours mid day to get the job done. It should not be on for 12 hours a day producing high levels of UV. That is totally unnatural, and it doesn't happen that way outside in the sun every day. There is almost no UV in the early morning and late afternoon sun. UV levels outside build from late morning, peak mid day, and drop back to zero in the afternoon. Don't take my word for it. Take your meter outside and point it right at the sun at different times of the day. You'll see what I mean.

 

[zackary2431]

I totally agree with @ATHiker17 just for one more voice of agreement.

There is a wide margin of acceptable levels. You will probably find the correct level around 15-18 inches with a 10.0 T5 HO tube, but every bulb and every enclosure is different, so its great that you got a meter to actually check it, instead of guessing and hoping.

Also, in case you haven't seen this elsewhere, the tube only needs to run for a few hours mid day to get the job done. It should not be on for 12 hours a day producing high levels of UV. That is totally unnatural, and it doesn't happen that way outside in the sun every day. There is almost no UV in the early morning and late afternoon sun. UV levels outside build from late morning, peak mid day, and drop back to zero in the afternoon. Don't take my word for it. Take your meter outside and point it right at the sun at different times of the day. You'll see what I mean.

Thank you tom