Recommended UV meter?

[BlueThunder]

Hi,

I see there are a couple of 6.5 UV meters by Solarmeter. One is aimed at Reptiles, so it would seem the obvious choice, but I'm wondering if the other has any benefits?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solarmeter-Mod ... rmeter+6.5

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solarmeter-Mod ... rmeter+6.5

Thanks!

EDIT: Contacted the manufacturer, they are identical, save the nice reptile picture.

Need to do some more research to see if 6.2 or 6.5 is the correct one to go for, then what the reading should be ideally for a Northern.
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/usinguvmeter.htm

[kayla990]

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, we use Rep Tech UV Lamp Testing Cards. They won't be as accurate as the ones you linked, but can give a good idea on the UV and they are re-useable (apparently up to 500 times). Goodluck

[Suzle87]

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, we use Rep Tech UV Lamp Testing Cards. They won't be as accurate as the ones you linked, but can give a good idea on the UV and they are re-useable (apparently up to 500 times). Goodluck

This may be a daft question, but how close to the lamp do you put yours to test? I put mine on the basking spot and got no reading... so panicked, bought a new uvb lamp....but still the same unless i get close to the lamp? am I just using it wrong? (PROBABLY!! )

[BlueThunder]

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, we use Rep Tech UV Lamp Testing Cards. They won't be as accurate as the ones you linked, but can give a good idea on the UV and they are re-useable (apparently up to 500 times). Goodluck

Thanks fir the reply. Came just too late, as I bought the solarmeter. Good to know though. Now I need to work out where to measure and how much UV a Northern should be getting.

[kingofnobbys]

This is the one I favour = https://www.solarmeter.com/model62.html, it gives a direct reading in microW UVB / sq.cm so I know when my sources are no longer emitting sufficient UVB . This was the first one I bought and I really find it useful and I use this one very regularly , as the reading gives me the best indication of how much VitD3 my pet skinks and dragon will be producing naturally.

I also have https://www.solarmeter.com/model42.html (recent purchase) so I can now also check the UVA , I used this less than the model62 , and I also bought a https://www.solarmeter.com/model65.html (this was recommended by some knowledgeable folks at the BeardedDragon board - but I only plan to use it infrequently.

I set up my meters the same distance from the UV source as the basking spot.

Now I speak as a engineer and physicist ( I am both ) :
Very important to get the meter directly under and properly aligned as the microW UV flux reading is very sensitive to distance and the view factor of the sensor
for those with a math or physics or engineering bent see this diagram and relevant model

, and very important to standardize your measurement technique to be sure you are getting accurate readings that are reproduceable. UV meters are expensive and unless you take care to measure properly you are wasting your money buying one (or more).
This is a good read and will help you get a handle on how to use your meter : http://www.uvguide.co.uk/usinguvmeter.htm and http://www.uvguide.co.uk/usinguvmeter.htm

I find it convenient hang a plumb-bob under the centre of the bottom face of the source and line the axis of the meter up with plumb-bob's string (gives me the "Normal" and the exactly were the axis should be (takes care of the view effect effect) and distance is measured.

[kayla990]

Thanks fir the reply. Came just too late, as I bought the solarmeter.

Doh! But at least you'll have an accurate long term reader

This may be a daft question, but how close to the lamp do you put yours to test?

Not daft at all! I put it where they'll be basking (which for us is around 30cm from light to basking rock). Strange your card didn't change colour though! Hmm, wonder why the new uvb lamp also doesn't do anything unless it's close? Although it says to keep it there for 10 seconds, should be able to keep it there for longer (but just tested again, changes near instantly when under the light). I'm unsure how likely it is to get faulty cards.. maybe something to peek into ^__^

[kingofnobbys]

Thanks fir the reply. Came just too late, as I bought the solarmeter.

Doh! But at least you'll have an accurate long term reader

This may be a daft question, but how close to the lamp do you put yours to test?

Not daft at all! I put it where they'll be basking (which for us is around 30cm from light to basking rock). Strange your card didn't change colour though! Hmm, wonder why the new uvb lamp also doesn't do anything unless it's close? Although it says to keep it there for 10 seconds, should be able to keep it there for longer (but just tested again, changes near instantly when under the light). I'm unsure how likely it is to get faulty cards.. maybe something to peek into ^__^

From my reading , card's give only a very rough indication and can't be relied on. Wasted $ IMO , and a false economy.