Arcadia 12% over mesh

[Sutt]

I have a 40gallon tank with a new arcadia 12% T5 light fixture on top of tank. I planned to place inside tank but realized all my decor would be extremely close.

Just wondering if it’s okay to keep over mesh or should i get a 6% to place inside the tank. My basking/hanging out spots would be about 10 inches away. Attached is a picture of mesh cover

 

[Sadie]

I have a 40gallon tank with a new arcadia 12% T5 light fixture on top of tank. I planned to place inside tank but realized all my decor would be extremely close.

Just wondering if it’s okay to keep over mesh or should i get a 6% to place inside the tank. My basking/hanging out spots would be about 10 inches away. Attached is a picture of mesh cover

That is a wide hole screen but I am concerned w/ how thick it is --- you can try placing it directly over the basking decor piece 8-10 inches - I would go w/ 8 and watch his behavior - if it looks like hes trying to get closer to the UVB then I would get it in the tank - do not change the bulb leave the 12% bulb - or you can also get the 14% bulb and go w/ the top of screen w/ the 10 inches distance - those are a lot stronger bulb - but I would see w/ the 12 % bulb first and 8 inches