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Post by dominick on May 8, 2004 8:44:11 GMT -8
Hi Folks-
I just took a reading with my meter and here's the result.
Taken in Central NJ at 12:50pm, conditions are clear sky and sunny.
Reading: 297 uW/cm2.
Taken yesterday, overcast sky, at 12:30pm: 145 uW/cm2
Taken the day before, raining, at 11:45am: 52 uW/cm2
So, it would appear that even in a rain storm UVB is indeed penetrating the atmosphere.
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Post by joseph2 on May 8, 2004 11:19:45 GMT -8
Hi Dom. I believe I need to invest in a meter. What are the readings you obtained outside compared to the readings you get from your habitat? Are the readings in your habitat more comparable to an overcast day, or a clear, sunny day? One more question Dom, are these meters easy to use?
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Post by dominick on May 8, 2004 15:05:57 GMT -8
Hi Joseph- Well, while I was in NC for the Reptile show I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Bob Mac and discussing UVB, enclosure temps, lighting and Merc Vapor lamps with him. The man is a fountain of knowledge and knows UVB and lighting, as well as general Iguan knowledge, down to the minutest detail. Artifical light is not nearly as strong as the sun. And UVB exposure is related to the type of light you use. Here's some readings I remember that I took while in NC. These were taken in the Iguanas enclosure: Flourescent UVB Tube (Reptisun 5.0 I think) = 85 uW/cm2 at 8" away. Merc Vapor Spot = 219 uW/cm2 at 14" away. So, the UVB output changes drastically among the type and brand of light you use. Ease of use? Aim the sensor at the light source and press the button. The UVB (in uW/cm2) is displayed on the LCD screen. Can't get much easier than that! Joseph, I encourage you to read Bob Mac's article entitled: Iguanas and Artificial Ultraviolet Light: How and How Much Made Simple — Well, Not Exactly Simple… Bob MacCargar
It was published recently in IGUANA, the Journal of the International Iguana Society (an organization I belong too and also highly recommend. I'll be with them at the White Plains, NY show in July). You can view the article here at the UVB Meter Owner Group website (where incidentally you can place your order for the meter): f2.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/cGadQJZDigTHok6zgyc5TeJCZUDiQRvEA45_vbTlLq4toNGq-ynSfFqxlz7acJh95NqWbbeq9z6v2nZBg5BlCpOjZujtxn1Dsfdy/UV%20article%20for%20IIS%20re-edited.docGood luck in your quest for knowledge.
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Post by prism_wolf on May 9, 2004 13:52:54 GMT -8
I have heard many times that all day under the UVB tubes equals about 30-40 minutes under the sun.
I have not read anything concrete either, though if someone were to do the math they might be able to figure a time length based on the hours a day spent under the tube using the 5.0 as the 5% of what radiates from the sun at the equatorial line at noon.
Anyone up for that?? Not anything MY little pea brain can handle...LOL!!
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Post by prism_wolf on May 9, 2004 13:55:09 GMT -8
So did you order one Dom?? It is easy!!
I have added a picture with the link to the UVB meter Dom used in the "Supply Images" forum. You will be taken to my photo album where the pictures are. I have had mine for several months now and it's been invaluable to me. It has saved me $50 this year already by allowing me to measure the Reptisun 5.0 tubes. I only just now need to replace them, and they were bought in April of 2003. I will wait though since warm weather is here and Zair will be spending bookoo time outside... ;D
There is an order being compiled right now for anyone interested in owning one on the UVB_Meter_Owners list. It ends up being a $40 discount if ordered through the group.
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Post by dominick on May 9, 2004 14:59:15 GMT -8
Hi Veronica-
Yes, I now have one to use. Darry, the sweetheart that she is gave me one of hers to use.
It's very interesting to measure the UVB output of different sources. Very eye-opening.
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Post by prism_wolf on May 9, 2004 16:32:24 GMT -8
Dom...I can see you running from light source to light source with the meter in hand...lol. I did the very same thing. Outside, inside, through glass, through screen, clouds, no clouds...on and on. It is very eye-opening. If this one ever dies beyond reviving...I will purchase another very quickly...as funds allow anyway.
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Post by Kling on Jun 10, 2004 19:32:48 GMT -8
i take my iggy out whan it is sunny and bright i was about 110 in the sun i had my iggy out for about 2 hour i have a harnos and i tie him to the dog leash and i look at hyim every 2 to 3 min andspray him with the hose
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Post by Merlin on Jun 11, 2004 17:17:43 GMT -8
At 110 you are seriously pushing your luck,... or rather your ig's life.
They die at 115 degrees.
Yes somebody actually tested this!
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Post by mar on Jun 13, 2004 13:03:35 GMT -8
I was just about to post on this in a new thread.
I had a thermometer sitting on a table in the sun this morning and the reading stopped at 120 F (sorry it only reads in F) only because there was no higher that it could climb. When I moved to to the shade at 3 pm today it plummeted to a comfortable 85 F in about 30 seconds.
Always be cognizant of the sun, have water available and shade near by to move into. This goes for both you and the ig. The sun is great to have out but is incredibly powerful.
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