Do UV rays pass through flysreen?

[james.5]

I'm build an enclosure for one of my lizards and can I was wondering if; uv rays pass through fly screen?

 

[Red-Ink]

Yes but at a diminished level..

 

[graffix]

Normal fly screen will allow UV to pass through it but will have a UV rating, but this is typically minimal due to the nature to of the screen.

There are a few potential problems to consider with synthetic screen though. It does not tolerate heat very well, even fluorescent lights produce some heat. It is not very strong, even crickets can chew holes in it, so any lizard with some size will rip holes in it.
(I'm not saying it will happen, but it is something to keep in mind when setting up)

Fine steel mesh is a safer option to go with or depending on the size of the lizards most reputable pet suppliers sell "mouse wire". This is a fine gauge wire, similar to bird wire. As this is galvanized it is easily washed down with vinegar and a stiff brush then painted to seal it .......... and IMO it looks better.

 

[james.5]

so does steel mesh let UV through it?

 

[BenReyn]

Yes it will, but at a diminished level.

 

[graffix]

The easiest way to remember it is the smaller the holes the less UV can pass through. Wider mesh (bigger holes) will have a negligible effect on UV, very fine mesh can drop the available UV by as much as 20%. Basically the more light that gets into the enclosure the more UV gets in.

This rule of thumb does NOT apply to glass/perspex/lexan etc. (just to save any argument)