Description
- The Solarmeter® 6.5R Reptile UV Index meter measures the critical wavelengths for reptiles.
- The current UV index is determined and can be monitored over the long term.
The Solarmeter® 6.5R Reptile UV Index has a measurement spectrum that closely matches the effective spectrum for vitamin D production, making it particularly suitable for terrarium use. Long-wavelength UVA and UVB radiation, which do not contribute to vitamin D production and have a lower burning effect, are not detected or measured. This handheld device is therefore ideal for warning against lamps that either emit excessively intense, short-wavelength radiation with a high UV burn risk or produce insufficient vitamin D-effective radiation.
But which animal needs how much UVB to produce the correct amount of vitamin D? The **Ferguson Zones** help answer this question.
| Zone | Habitat | Examples of reptile species | UV index range | UV Index maximal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nocturnal, shade-dwelling. | Crested Gecko, Leopard Gecko, Tokay Gecko, Tiger Python, Green Tree Python, King Snake, Reticulated Python, Fiji Iguana, Corn Snake, Carpet Python. | 0,0 – 0,7 | 0,6 – 1,4 |
| 2 | Occasionally sunbathing, partial shade. | Australian Water Dragon, Emerald Monitor, Red-headed Agama, Stump-tailed Skink, Pygmy Chameleons, Box Turtle, Kohler’s Tortoise, Death Adder, Spiny-headed Snake, Garter Snake, Western Hognose Snake, Blue-tongue Skink, Green Water Dragon, Panther Chameleon, Common Musk Turtle. | 0,7 – 1,0 | 1,1 – 3,0 |
| 3 | Partial shade-sun. | Black and White Tegu, Bearded Dragon, Striped Day Gecko, Yemen Chameleon, Star Tortoise, Panther Tortoise, Leopard Tortoise, Diamond Python, Bearded Dragon, Steppe Monitor, Green Iguana, Red-eared Slider, Spurred Tortoise. | 1,0 – 2,6 | 2,9 – 7,4 |
| 4 | Sunbather. | Chuckwallas, Uromastyx, Rhinoceros Iguana, Texas Horned Lizard. | 2,6 – 3,5 | 4,5 – 9,5 |
What is a Ferguson Zone?
Using the original Solarmeter® 6.5 UV Index, a team of herpetologists led by Professor Gary Ferguson from Texas Christian University published research in 2010 summarizing the daily UV exposure of 15 reptile species studied in the wild. These species were grouped into four zones, also known as “Ferguson Zones,” based on their daily sun exposure requirements. In 2012, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) built upon Ferguson’s research and created a document in which 254 reptile and amphibian species were assigned Ferguson Zones.
| Modell: | 6.5R |
| Output range: | 0-199.9 UV Index |
| measurement range: | 280-400 nm Diffey Erythemal Action Spectrum (roughly corresponds to the Vitamin D action spectrum) |
| Resolution: | 0.1 UV Index |
| Conversion speed: | 3.0 displays /Sek. |
| Display: | 3.5-digit LCD |
| Digit size: | 10,2 mm high |
| Operating temperature: | 0°C – 32,2°C |
| Operating humidity: | 5% – 80% |
| Accuracy: | ±10% REF.NIST |
| Dimensions: | L: 61 x B: 22 x H: 108 mm |
| Weight: | 150 g |
| Operating Voltage: | 9 V (Block Battery) |
| Lens: | UV Glas |
| Diffusor: | Teflon |
Operating the meter:
To operate your Solarmeter® , point the sensor window on the top of the meter directly at a UV source. Press and hold the pressure switch on the front of the device. For optimal results, note the distance of the measurement from the UV source to ensure repeatable results.
The battery operating voltage is adjustable from 9 V down to 6.5 V. Below 6.5 V, the numbers on the LCD display begin to fade, indicating the need for a battery replacement. With typical usage, a standard 9V battery lasts about 2 years.
Correct use of the Solarmeter®:
– Wear eye protection when checking the UV lamps (goggles that provide all-round protection are ideal)
– Allow the lamps to warm up before taking measurements (at least 15 minutes).
– When checking lamp ageing, ensure that you use the same location and distance to ensure accurate readings
– The lamps should be replaced when the output drops to around 50% of the original (new) readings.
Care and maintenance:
• Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, humidity, shocks, or dust.. If the device is accidentally exposed to excessive humidity or wet conditions, unusually high readings may occur. If you allow the device to dry naturally or place it in a bag with silica gel, normal function will be restored.
• Use a very soft cloth to clean the device. Keep the sensor free from oil, dirt, etc.
