Black lights - Who listened in Physics class?

10 Oct 2013, 20:30

just got back from masters with two waterproof fluorescent light fittings and 2 foot UV Black Light globes. I'm looking to install them outside within the aviary to attract heaps of moths at night. As they are approved for outside they of course include a diffuser (cover) to seal the unit. Unfortunately the diffuser defeats the "glow" ability of the black light tubes, but will it also defeat the insect attracting abilities?

Here's a pick with diffuser on - white paper doesn't glow.

DiffOn.JPG

And another with the diffuser off - paper glows just like a disco.

DiffOff.JPG

10 Oct 2013, 20:40

Sam,whats wrong with putting them in the covered section of the aviary where they wont get wet,they can also act as a night light in that area. Craig

10 Oct 2013, 21:54

Craig52 wrote:Sam,whats wrong with putting them in the covered section of the aviary where they wont get wet, they can also act as a night light in that area. Craig

I could do as you say Craig but they wont attract insects from so far afield. My plan was to fit them vertically on two of the posts where they'll face out across the valley.

The diffuser cover has been on for a few hours and there are quite a few insects gathered around so it seems to be working at least partially. I think I'll install them tomorrow and see how they go. In any case, it looks to be simple to dremel off a section of the diffuser and replace with clear perspex if need be.

11 Oct 2013, 19:29

Perspex clear or tinted will also prevent the UV spectrum from passing through. UV has very little penetrating powers through most media. Suggest removing the covers and install under a weather proof facility as Craig has suggested.

11 Oct 2013, 22:03

I don't think my physics classes ever included insects, but hopefully over night you've been able to test this. Any verdict yet?

I'm wondering how it will work. If it attracts insects at night, when birds are not feeding, is the intention that there'll be enough deaths for a good breakfast? In that case I would install it under a rain/wind-proof cover, ideally above the aviary if you have an open section through which insects can fall.

Remember that birds are extremely attuned to UV - they can perceive it in ways that humans cannot - so I would keep it well clear of their roosting area.

Also you may actually only need quite a small light to do the job, as found in domestic insect traps. (?)

12 Oct 2013, 07:54

Finchy wrote:I don't think my physics classes ever included insects, but hopefully over night you've been able to test this. Any verdict yet?

I'm wondering how it will work. If it attracts insects at night, when birds are not feeding, is the intention that there'll be enough deaths for a good breakfast? In that case I would install it under a rain/wind-proof cover, ideally above the aviary if you have an open section through which insects can fall.

Remember that birds are extremely attuned to UV - they can perceive it in ways that humans cannot - so I would keep it well clear of their roosting area.

Also you may actually only need quite a small light to do the job, as found in domestic insect traps. (?)

Finchy,the idea of the whole thing is to attract the insects to the aviary not kill them.By early morning the insects hide amongst the bushes and nooks and crannies where the birds can search for them,this is extra livefood in addition to what is being fed by the keeper. Craig

12 Oct 2013, 10:31

Ah, I see! Knew I was missing something

.

Won't a lot be killed anyway, by contact with the light? Isn't that how mosquito zappers work?

Maybe I should get myself a mini solar-powered UV light. I wonder if there is such a thing? Yaay, more optimisation gadgets to hunt for/build

!

12 Oct 2013, 13:24

Finchy wrote:Ah, I see! Knew I was missing something .

Won't a lot be killed anyway, by contact with the light? Isn't that how mosquito zappers work?

Maybe I should get myself a mini solar-powered UV light. I wonder if there is such a thing? Yaay, more optimisation gadgets to hunt for/build !

Insect zappers work by the UV light attracting them but is encased by an electrofied steel grill to zap them dead.Unless you are intending to keep soft bills,i wouldn't even think about one for your finches in a smaller aviary,it might attract that mysterious pooper

Craig

12 Oct 2013, 13:46

I have a 1200m Fluo fitting in my large aviary and it has a UV tube in it.
I simply fixed a flat piece of coreflute to the frame the fixed the light under it.
All it does is protect the light fitting from the rain.
At times there are so many Bugs I think they pull them in from 50kms away
The birds will even feed at night as well

14 Oct 2013, 13:23

Thanks to all for your info. Craig/Trilobite - they are installed under shelter so I can remove the diffusers.

InstBL.jpg

They seem to be attracting a heap of moths which get caught under the shade cloth. I'll do an experiment with and without the diffuser at some stage. They just look so much better with the diffuser on. It's a really cool look at night too! A bit like the nocturnal house at the zoo.