Screen suggestions for custom enclosure

[suprdude]

I'm in the process of converting an existing custom enclosure for a future chameleon. The plant lights will still be hanging as shown but I need to create a screen to keep Mr. Chameleon out of the area and I also plan on resting the heat light and UVB light directly on top on the screen. The enclosure is almost 6 feet wide and 22 inches deep. I'm thinking of making two removable panels that will sit on top of L-shaped metal brackets mounted on the top sides. My question what type of screen should I get? I want as much light to get through as possible. Would regular window screen work or would it block too much light?
Thanks!

 

[nightanole]

Personally i use 1/2" mesh vinyl coated hardware cloth.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-x-2-ft-x-5-ft-PVC-Hardware-Cloth-308253EB/205960854


It will block a lot less light vs screen door stuff, and be more "robust".

 

[suprdude]

Personally i use 1/2" mesh vinyl coated hardware cloth.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-in-x-2-ft-x-5-ft-PVC-Hardware-Cloth-308253EB/205960854


It will block a lot less light vs screen door stuff, and be more "robust".

Thanks for the suggestion! Looks like metal but what is the "cloth/vinyl" part, and would it melt under a 75 watt bulb?

 

[nightanole]

Thanks for the suggestion! You don't think it would melt under a 75 watt bulb?

It softens at 200f, right before water boil point. But if you are using it just for protection, you can get uncoated. I use coated because i make the sides out of it, and its great for adult climbing.

 

[salty dog]

I use translucent hypothetical screen, I have 10 feet of it for sale.....I'll sell it to you for 30.00!!

 

[Ramrod]

I use 1/4" hardware cloth which works well for me.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Window screen will be fine; I would use aluminum. Feeders can eat through synthetics, and walk/crawl right through hardware cloth.* Most commercial enclosures use window screen; they block some UVB, but not that much.

The Effect of Mesh and Screen upon the output of UVB Fluorescent Tubes

All my lights are above the screen. The 6% UVB still puts out plenty of UVB @ 8-12" below the screen (measured via Solarmeter).

*I've actually heard of some using 2 layers of screen. The inside layer of hardware cloth, and the outside layer (1" between layers) of window screen to prevent feeder escapes.

 

[suprdude]

Feeders can eat through synthetics, and walk/crawl right through hardware cloth.* Most commercial enclosures use window screen; they block some UVB, but not that much.

*I've actually heard of some using 2 layers of screen. The inside layer of hardware cloth, and the outside layer (1" between layers) of window screen to prevent feeder escapes.

Thanks for your feedback. I didn't think escaped feeders would be an issue...I was planing on feeding using an escape-proof cup (dubias) or hand feeding.

 

[Ramrod]

Thanks for your feedback. I didn't think escaped feeders would be an issue...I was planing on feeding using an escape-proof cup (dubias) or hand feeding.

That's exactly how I feed so 1/4" works if you are going that way.