glass and UV technical explanation?

E

EvilLost

New Member
Can anyone give me a technical explanation of how this works exactly? I've tried google searching and the boards...perhaps my search skills are fail...


I know glass blocks some UV, but how much/what kind?


In particular I am asking because I was considering using a glass cover for my large project build light hood to protect my LEDs/electronics from the humidity/misting...but I wasn't so sure how to allow uv through; perhaps just cut a hole in the glass top for where the UV bulb sits and screen it? thats a poor solution


-is there a type of glass (or some type of acrylic that WONT deform) that doesn't block UVB?

-my alternate solution is to use a large grid of light diffuser (egg crating), which works, but will not stop the occasional stray bug from going up or moisture either
 
go solacryl, thats what I am going to do.
It is the same thing that is used in tanning beds.
doesn't block uv
easy to use, cut, drill holes
will protect your electronic stuff and give your chams full uv
anne

if my memory serves me (most of the time it doesn't!) glass blocks like 99% uv's
 
quartz glass will allow UV rays to pass. Be warned though it is very expensive.

If anyone here took P-Chem, the special cuvettes, that were used to allow UV rays to pass in the spectrophotometer, were made of quartz as well.
 
You can look into a water proofing spray for LEDs from reefledlights.com that will be sufficient enough to protect them from humidity and the random spray from the mister
To answer your question it's the iron and other metal particle that absorbs the uv and other spectral outputs but uv/UVB is the weakest spectrum that gets filtered first
 
SonTigerPantherCham said:
go solacryl, thats what I am going to do.
It is the same thing that is used in tanning beds.
doesn't block uv
easy to use, cut, drill holes
will protect your electronic stuff and give your chams full uv
anne

if my memory serves me (most of the time it doesn't!) glass blocks like 99% uv's
Click to expand...

Does Solacryl filter some of the uv?
 
I would recommend moving your electric transformers and all other gear to Different area than ontop of the cage. Just leave your leds and basking bulbs/uvb bulbs. I personally wouldn't shine the light through any material because I don't really see any need for it. If you secure your spray nozzles well I doubt your going to build up enough humidity to damage any equipment. I have three free ranges that I've never had any issues with. Also, I put all of my electronics on a power strip so that if something would get wet or short out of the power strip would switch off power to the components.
 
moviemanmania said:
I would recommend moving your electric transformers and all other gear to Different area than ontop of the cage. Just leave your leds and basking bulbs/uvb bulbs. I personally wouldn't shine the light through any material because I don't really see any need for it. If you secure your spray nozzles well I doubt your going to build up enough humidity to damage any equipment. I have three free ranges that I've never had any issues with. Also, I put all of my electronics on a power strip so that if something would get wet or short out of the power strip would switch off power to the components.
Click to expand...

A normal power strip won't turn of automatically if it gets wet be warned I know from having them around my aquarium stuff the last 10 years or so until I got sick of getting shocked or the smell of burning electrical equipment if you want a something that will trip for sure install a gfi circuit
 
unfortunately i'm in an apt so the circuit is kinda out...

i am using the power strip as well just incase and I have no electronic components besides LEDs/bulbs at the top.


I am also require it to keep the chameleons away from the lights. Given the layout of this build they will ultimately find a way up there....I figure I can block with light diffuser, but I'd rather use a type of glass


@SonTigerPantherCham: i'd like to know that as well...does solacryl still block some uv? i have not heard of this stuff before...i'm guessing its the same as that link Solid Snake provided

@Solid Snake: second link was helpful, but not sure where to buy it i'll have to look around; not sure why you linked refractive index tho?
 
EvilLost said:
unfortunately i'm in an apt so the circuit is kinda out...

i am using the power strip as well just incase and I have no electronic components besides LEDs/bulbs at the top.


I am also require it to keep the chameleons away from the lights. Given the layout of this build they will ultimately find a way up there....I figure I can block with light diffuser, but I'd rather use a type of glass


@SonTigerPantherCham: i'd like to know that as well...does solacryl still block some uv? i have not heard of this stuff before...i'm guessing its the same as that link Solid Snake provided

@Solid Snake: second link was helpful, but not sure where to buy it i'll have to look around; not sure why you linked refractive index tho?
Click to expand...

Lol. Because It had to do with light moving through things :p and I MAY have been drinking a little last nite. I dont remember. Just FYI; you can install a gfi in your apt. Its just a matter of changing the outlet to a gfi outlet. You can purchase them at lowes and such, and when you move swap them back. Its a very simple wiring job. Not that Im recomending you play around with the wires in your walls. ;) But you could easily be walked through a safe application of said gfi:cool: You can pm me for said instructions/help if you ever choose to put one in. Also, why are you required to keep the chameleons away from the lights?
 
For a more mathematical description of UV transmittance you need to consider a few things.

Try reading the following to brush up on the equations:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmittance (will show you the transmission % of specific wavelength)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opacity_(optics) (generalization of previous link)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_attenuation_coefficient (u = k in the other articles)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_descriptions_of_opacity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angular_wavenumber (relates wavelength to variables in previous equations)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angular_frequency (relates w to variables in previous equations)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh_Scattering (read the optical fibers section)


Or, if you don't feel like it, read this: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080128082749AAcqK4I

In short: most glass is either too thick or low quality to allow UV to pass before it is scattered, or metal/organic impurities are absorbing the radiation. Highly crystalline, supremely pure glass is the way to go if you want UV to make it through.
 
Chadbot said:
From the report it seems like it only filters out UVC and below (0-290nm). Might be worth a shot to get some and use a Solarmeter on it?
Click to expand...

I believe that is partially within the range we need for our chams. I think Anne has been looking into this stuff for a while, along with Todd from lyr. So she might be able to give is a better answer
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

mkoe
Tail Problem
2
Replies
27
Views
3K
GrannyK
GrannyK
eat2muchrice
UltraClear® Low iron glass (lets UV pass through the glass)
Replies
11
Views
2K
Klyde O'Scope
Klyde O'Scope
Josereg
Does he have enough UV?
Replies
9
Views
787
Josereg
Josereg
Mendez
DIY Aluminum Ledges and Cage Makeover
2
Replies
32
Views
6K
Klyde O'Scope
Klyde O'Scope
Kimbothecham
New cham owner jitters!
2
Replies
22
Views
4K
Shanar808
Shanar808
Back
Top Bottom