Zoo Med Digital UV Index Radiometer - Manual (Page 5)

EVALUATING LAMP SAFETY
A major advantage of using the UV Index to evaluate reptile lighting is that readings
can be compared to natural UV Index readings recorded in reptiles' natural habitats
throughout the year at times when reptiles are active. The highest UVI readings
recorded at solar noon in summer in the deserts of the USA and Australia range
from 14.0 to 20.0. At these levels, reptiles are not active and have retreated into
burrows or the shade for safety. DO NOT attempt to achieve these levels in the
terrarium at the basking site. It is unsafe for people to be outdoors without
adequate skin protection at these levels. Research has shown that reptiles retreat
from full sunlight when UVI levels are around 8.0 or higher. If a lamp produces UVI
readings of 8.0 or higher at the basking site, then the lamp is unsafe and should be
moved further away from the habitat or replaced with a different lamp. A lamp that
is producing UVI readings of 8 or more at manufacturer recommended basking
distances is unsafe and should not be used as this can result in illness, eye & skin
damage, or even death.
METER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
Lift the flap on the protective case to expose the sensor. Aim the sensor directly at
the UV light source and press and hold the button on the meter to obtain a reading
on the display. Measurements can be taken with screen mesh between the lamp
and the sensor to determine the percent reduction in light output caused by the
mesh. Be sure to store the meter in a dry location as exposure to high humidity
levels can cause the meter to malfunction and give inaccurately high readings.
Check the meter by covering the sensor and pressing the button. The meter should
read 0.00 with the sensor covered. Readings above 0.03 or higher with the sensor
covered are abnormal. If the meter display becomes dim, the battery should be
replaced. Annual replacement of the 9 volt battery is recommended. To access the
battery, simply slide the cover off of the back of the meter. For further information,
contact Zoo Med’s customer service department.
IMPORTANT NOTES
UVB Gradient: When placing UVB lamps over a terrarium, it is imperative that the
lamp is positioned in a way that creates a UVB gradient in the habitat. UVB will be
strongest close to the lamp, and will gradually decrease with distance. This can
often be achieved by placing the lamp fixture above the terrarium and off to one
end of the habitat. Verify that the desired UVI levels and gradient are achieved using
the UVI meter. The habitat must be large enough to provide this gradient and allow
reptiles to photoregulate (adjust their exposure to UVB as needed). For all zones,
always provide a shelter for reptiles to retreat completely from any light and
UVB exposure.
Examples include: Jamaican Brown Anoles (Anolis lineatopis), Elaphe species (Corn
and Rat Snakes), and Leopard Geckos. Some amphibian species (like Dart Frogs) will
also benefit from UVB exposure in this zone. Some nocturnal species may benefit
from Zone 1 UVB exposure as they have been found to expose limbs and body parts
to UVB while sleeping (like Crested Geckos). NOTE: In the original study by Ferguson,
et al., Zone 1 ranges from 0.0 to 0.7 UVI. We have chosen 0.4 as a minimum for
species in captivity as this has been shown to be effective in providing for a healthy
vitamin D condition in Zone 1 species.
Zone 2: UVI 0.7 to 1.0 (Mostly partial sun/Occasional full sun baskers)
This is a small range that is very close to Zone 1, but species in this zone will
occasionally venture out into full sunlight for short periods of time. Examples
include Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis), Water Dragons (Physignathus cocincinus),
Day Geckos (Phelsuma species), Skinks, Box Turtles (Terrapene species), Garter and
Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis species) and most species of diurnal Colubrid snakes
(like Kings Snakes and Gopher Snakes). This zone is also recommended for Old World
Chameleons (Panther Chameleons, Jackson’s Chameleons, and other Chameleo
species). If you’re unsure what the appropriate zone is for a given species, Zone 2 can
be used as a safe and effective level that will prevent the onset of metabolic bone
disease or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP).
Zone 3: UVI 1.0 to 2.6 (Mostly full sun/Occasional partial sun baskers)
Zone 3 covers a fairly broad range and includes many species common to herpetocul-
ture. These temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical species will bask in full sun early in
the day or early afternoon. During mid day, they may be found basking when condi-
tions are partly cloudy. This zone is appropriate for most species of aquatic turtles
and tortoises. Many of the small spiny lizards of the genus Sceloporus fall into this
zone, Monitors and Tegus, as well as Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) and Curly-tailed
Lizards of the genus Leiocephalus. With zone 3 and above, it is VERY IMPORTANT to
provide a UVB gradient down to zone 1 UVB levels so that reptiles can “photoregu-
late” and adjust their UVB exposure as needed. Failure to provide a UVB gradient can
result in illness, eye & skin damage, or even death.
Zone 4: UVI 2.6 to 3.5 or more (Mid day full sun baskers)
Zone 4 species would include the majority of “desert” species that bask in full
sunlight, even after Zone 3 species have retreated into burrows or the shade. Exam-
ples include Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps), Uromastyx lizards, and Desert
Iguanas (Dipsosaurus dorsalis). IMPORTANT: Just as with zone 3, it is critical that the
habitat is large enough to provide a UVB gradient down to zone 1 levels to allow
reptiles to photoregulate and adjust their UVB exposure. Failure to provide a UVB
gradient can result in illness, eye & skin damage, or even death. Avoid UVI levels of
8.0 or more for zone 4 species as even the most sun-loving species retreat from full
sunlight at these high levels (see lamp safety notes below for more info).