Most of it is not lost. The mesh will take some obviously because it is somewhat blocking it; however it still gets through. Most people on here us a reptisun 5.0 and as you should as well. 10.0 is for bearded dragons and such, not chameleons.
I have small tight mesh which I am going to replace because my new 5.0 only reads 18 at basking. Same distance without the screen is 60
I am looking for somewhere between 30-35
I was using a 5.0 until I got my Solarmeter. The mesh on my ReptiBreeze filters out most of the UVB I discovered. I immediately switched to a 10.0 and got readings between 30 - 35! With the 5.0 I was getting about 12 - 18.
Window screen isn't too dark or thick, so a 5.0 should be good especially since the cage is small (I wouldn't worry about over exposure even with a 10.0 though unless there isn't anyeherevforvthe champ to escape the UVB and be in cooler/warmer temps.
Hey A!,
I agree, takes all the guessing out of the equation!
I love mine and now Im all about being type A and learning all I can about lighting!! (sad, I know)
anne
Hows the new one settling in?