Plexiglass?

[sedecatur]

Does plexiglass (like you get at homedepot or lowes) block UV rays? I may need to use some for humidity control but dont want to block out the UV.

 

[cityman212]

Yes it will block the UV unless it is specifically desiged to allow UV in. There are apecial formulas/designs of glass/plexi which allow UV in. You might want to google the topic and research where you can get the right kind.

 

[Maurer3D]

Plexiglass filters out most UV rays smaller than 300nm (some Plexiglass is treated to filter all the way to 400nm), UVB rays range from 280nm to 315nm. According to the info that ZooMed has out on their ReptiSun 5.0 bulbs (both linear and compact) the output of UVB from them ranges from 300nm to 320nm.

What this means is theoretically Plexiglass (as long as it wasn't treated to filter the longer wave lengths) should not affect the waves much. The only way to know for sure is to use a UV Meter, unfortunately I don't have any Plexiglass laying around to test this at the moment.

 

[laurie]

I have both plexiglass & a meter. I will be back with results. Give me a hour

Plexiglass filters out most UV rays smaller than 300nm (some Plexiglass is treated to filter all the way to 400nm), UVB rays range from 280nm to 315nm. According to the info that ZooMed has out on their ReptiSun 5.0 bulbs (both linear and compact) the output of UVB from them ranges from 300nm to 320nm.

What this means is theoretically Plexiglass (as long as it wasn't treated to filter the longer wave lengths) should not affect the waves much. The only way to know for sure is to use a UV Meter, unfortunately I don't have any Plexiglass laying around to test this at the moment.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Does plexiglass (like you get at homedepot or lowes) block UV rays? I may need to use some for humidity control but dont want to block out the UV.

MOST plexiglass does NOT block UVB

 

[laurie]

that is a no

I got out my meter
first checked a cage at 10 inches down with screen top metered at 38
Next checked a cage at 10 inches down no top but optix brand of plexiglass metered at 0
Next checked a cage at 10 inches down no top but lexan brand of plexiglass metered at 0


So I would say uvb DOES NOT go thought plexiglass

sorry

 

[kinyonga]

If you're intending to lay it over some screen, then why not just lay it over the screen that is not under the UVB light?

 

[k9monkey]

I am using plexiglass on the sides of my enclosure to help with humidity. As stated you dont want it on the top of the enclosure as it will block out the UV rays you want to get through.

 

[sedecatur]

Thanks all Think ill use plexi on the back and sides only That will help with humidity and spray splash, leave the top and frount open for air flow, then if need be i can do like kinyonga said and just use plexi on top except where the lights are. Thanks again.

 

[sedecatur]

While im thinking about it, Laurie where can i get a light meter so i can keep track of things?

 

[sandrachameleon]

I dont doubt the results stated above
But i got different (opposite) results when mine was tested (I am using brand name plexiglass - which Im told is pure uncoated poly-methyl-meth-acrylate as used in tanning beds, Im told)
so since one cant be sure, best not to have it between your chams and your lights

 

[laurie]

i have a solarmeter model 6.2UVB you can purchase one at www.solarmeter.com, they are a bit spendy but worth the peace of mind.

While im thinking about it, Laurie where can i get a light meter so i can keep track of things?

 

[AZChamFan]

I got out my meter
first checked a cage at 10 inches down with screen top metered at 38
Next checked a cage at 10 inches down no top but optix brand of plexiglass metered at 0
Next checked a cage at 10 inches down no top but lexan brand of plexiglass metered at 0


So I would say uvb DOES NOT go thought plexiglass

sorry

When reading below, keep in mind "Plexiglass" is just one of many brand names for a material called acrylic.

Found this online (from the manufacturer):

>>>"OPTIX clear acrylic sheet has UV transmittance of 10-20% (in the 250-400 nm wavelength range), and visible light transmittance of 92%."<<<

However, almost ALL of the UV below 360/370nm is filtered out, which would confirm Laurie's findings - normal clear acrylic will filter out pretty much all of the UV produced by our UVB bulbs(typically 300-320nm). The only acrylic material that will allow more UV through is a special UV transmitting acrylic. This is the type of acrylic used in tanning beds and it allows most of the UVB spectrum through (down to about 280nm), but this is not the acrylic which is usually offered for sale. This information is consistent for both "Optix" brand and "Plexiglass" brand acrylic sheets.

Just a note - Lexan is not plexiglass or acrylic - it is a brand name for a material called polycarbonate - much different than acrylic - not as clear and scratches much more easily, but it is much more impact resistant.

 

[laurie]

Thanks for the info. One of the brands I tested was OPTIX, and I wasn't sure if Lexan was plexiglass but as long as I identified it by brand, it seemed ok to check. I bought the Lexan to build terrariums out of but the top is screen. I also put holes in all four sides and covered them with screen for ventilation. Works like a charm.

When reading below, keep in mind "Plexiglass" is just one of many brand names for a material called acrylic.

Found this online (from the manufacturer):

>>>"OPTIX clear acrylic sheet has UV transmittance of 10-20% (in the 250-400 nm wavelength range), and visible light transmittance of 92%."<<<

However, almost ALL of the UV below 360/370nm is filtered out, which would confirm Laurie's findings - normal clear acrylic will filter out pretty much all of the UV produced by our UVB bulbs(typically 300-320nm). The only acrylic material that will allow more UV through is a special UV transmitting acrylic. This is the type of acrylic used in tanning beds and it allows most of the UVB spectrum through (down to about 280nm), but this is not the acrylic which is usually offered for sale. This information is consistent for both "Optix" brand and "Plexiglass" brand acrylic sheets.

Just a note - Lexan is not plexiglass or acrylic - it is a brand name for a material called polycarbonate - much different than acrylic - not as clear and scratches much more easily, but it is much more impact resistant.