Use of Lasers in Controlling Pest Algae and Corals

[trinidiver]

need to get one of these lasers

[jsjonesrdh]

If it hasn't already been said, I would like to remind everyone that not all safety glasses are the same. You need to make sure that the material/coatings that the glasses are made of are designed to filter the wavelength of the laser being used. If they are not, you aren't protected.

I use a variable power diode laser in the dental office I work in and in addition to the operator, the patient must have glasses as well. Law requires that signs are posted outside the operatory where the laser is being used and unprotected persons are not to enter.

In addition to serious personal injury, I would be concerned about damage to the livestock and equipment. With the amount of scatter produced be shooting a laser through water I would be concerned about silicone seams being weakened, power cords shorting out, etc.

Lasers used in industry are regulated because of their danger. I can just see some guy running over to Walmart picking up the first orange pair of safety glasses he sees, a case of budlight and calling a friend for an aptasia barbeque.

[barbazoid]

i want to try

[shaginwagon13]

Does the color of the beam matter or is blue the color of choice?

[Wrench]

My mojanos are gone so I don't need my laser anymore. If anyone wants/needs it PM me.

[Allmost]

Originally Posted by shaginwagon13

Does the color of the beam matter or is blue the color of choice?

blue has shorter Wavelenght, hence deeper penetration ... but its the power that matters mostly in this case.

[shaginwagon13]

Originally Posted by Allmost

blue has shorter Wavelenght, hence deeper penetration ... but its the power that matters mostly in this case.

PM me what kind of laser and how much you want, I might be interested...

[miserkris]

Originally Posted by Wrench

My mojanos are gone so I don't need my laser anymore. If anyone wants/needs it PM me.

I am interested! PM sent.

[miserkris]

Calmseasquest,
I used a 1.2w and it is effective , I guess more the power quicker the job gets done.

Pls add a note about knowing all the heater, pump wires that run in the DT...the laser can easily lase through the plastic insulation .

Wonder what would happen if the laser end point hits the megaflow or overflow ?

--Kris

[ebacon]

Originally Posted by jsjonesrdh

If it hasn't already been said, I would like to remind everyone that not all safety glasses are the same. You need to make sure that the material/coatings that the glasses are made of are designed to filter the wavelength of the laser being used. If they are not, you aren't protected.

I use a variable power diode laser in the dental office I work in and in addition to the operator, the patient must have glasses as well. Law requires that signs are posted outside the operatory where the laser is being used and unprotected persons are not to enter.

In addition to serious personal injury, I would be concerned about damage to the livestock and equipment. With the amount of scatter produced be shooting a laser through water I would be concerned about silicone seams being weakened, power cords shorting out, etc.

Lasers used in industry are regulated because of their danger. I can just see some guy running over to Walmart picking up the first orange pair of safety glasses he sees, a case of budlight and calling a friend for an aptasia barbeque.

Mmmmmmm.... Barre bee quuueeee......

[Whiterabbitrage]

I ordered a class 4 laser. It finally got here. Trouble is, it doesn't seem to work. It will start fires, but when I aim it into the tank not much happens. On full power Xenia sort of wilt slightly, but otherwise they are unaffected. Valonia? Not affected a bit. I turned the pumps off of course, so why isn't it working? It will burn things in seconds out of the tank.I focused the laser on stuff in the tank and held it there for 5 minutes, and nothing.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by Whiterabbitrage

I ordered a class 4 laser. It finally got here. Trouble is, it doesn't seem to work. It will start fires, but when I aim it into the tank not much happens. On full power Xenia sort of wilt slightly, but otherwise they are unaffected. Valonia? Not affected a bit. I turned the pumps off of course, so why isn't it working? It will burn things in seconds out of the tank.I focused the laser on stuff in the tank and held it there for 5 minutes, and nothing.

Power output and wavelength?

Focus is key when lazing. The most powerful laser will be totally ineffective if not focused properly. The beam endpoint needs to be adjusted to the smallest, "pinpoint" dot possible. I can assure you that with the proper output, wavelength, focus and safety precautions - a laser can be an extremely efficient way of eliminating pests.

Hint - you'll know you've obtained the optimum focus when you hear your target start to "sizzle".

[Huntor0]

I love my laser I built it over a year ago for just this reason. 2+watt 445 laser built out of a nice mag lite body with a large aluminum heat sink for long lazing sessions. The ability to focus the beam to a pinpoint is key and the pest aptasia or whatever just sizzle snap crackle and pop away.

It is Important to get the proper safety glasses, close the drapes windows and watch out for partial reflections. (burned holes in a few black shirts)

[Whiterabbitrage]

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

Power output and wavelength?

Focus is key when lazing. The most powerful laser will be totally ineffective if not focused properly. The beam endpoint needs to be adjusted to the smallest, "pinpoint" dot possible. I can assure you that with the proper output, wavelength, focus and safety precautions - a laser can be an extremely efficient way of eliminating pests.

Hint - you'll know you've obtained the optimum focus when you hear your target start to "sizzle".

I long to hear the sizzle. So far nada. The manual is all safety info, nothing about how to focus. It's 2 watts. I don't remember the wave length, but its blue if that helps. Any advice on how to focus? Distance doesn't effect it.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by Whiterabbitrage

I long to hear the sizzle. So far nada. The manual is all safety info, nothing about how to focus. It's 2 watts. I don't remember the wave length, but its blue if that helps. Any advice on how to focus? Distance doesn't effect it.

Focusing is done by adjusting the front optics (usually simply turning the front bezel.) It's possible your laser has fixed optics which if so, may render it of little use for this task.

I also question the power output, I've never seen a ~2W hand-held laser that provided a ~5 minute duty cycle. More typical is 1 min on/1 min off due to heat dissipation limitations.

[Huntor0]

focusing lenses usually mount to the threaded diode housing or threaded heatsink.

Here is a link to some focus lenses:
https://sites.google.com/site/dtrlpf/home/glass-lenses

Wealth of information on laser pointers I would look in the 445 forum:
http://laserpointerforums.com/

[Whiterabbitrage]

Thanks for your help Calm & Hunter. I feel like a dope not being able to get his to work. I got a Arctic Spyder from Wicked Laser. It was supposed to be powerful then I get it and can barely get it to work. It can light matches ( big deal) and that's about it. Really needed it destroy pests. Ill try again tonight after the fish go to sleep.

[Whiterabbitrage]

There is no way to adjust the lens but I tried changing it out. One of the lenses works! Only to about 3" but I emailed the company so maybe they can set me straight. In the meantime I'm loving it!! I've sizzled every pest within a 3" radius all around the tank. Xenia! Bryopsis! Valonia! Vermatid! They all sizzle, crackle and burn before my mighty laser.
Geez it's satisfying.

[ebacon]

Originally Posted by Whiterabbitrage

There is no way to adjust the lens but I tried changing it out. One of the lenses works! Only to about 3" but I emailed the company so maybe they can set me straight. In the meantime I'm loving it!! I've sizzled every pest within a 3" radius all around the tank. Xenia! Bryopsis! Valonia! Vermatid! They all sizzle, crackle and burn before my mighty laser.
Geez it's satisfying.

Glad you got it working. That said don't get too trigger happy. You are basically holding a loaded gun in your hand. It deserves the same respect. No I don't think I'm being overly dramatic. Much like a firearm the lazer is a tool. Like any tool it must be used properly with safety precautions. It's not a toy. Remember that and you should be fine.

[CalmSeasQuest]

I'm glad you were able to figure out "some" focus, even if it is fixed. You know see how the tiniest variance can be the difference between success and failure. I'm not sure if Wicked makes variable-focus optics, it appears most of their lenses are for special effects.

Good luck and be safe.

[CalmSeasQuest]

For those that might be new to the topic of using Lasers in aquaria, or might not have read through this rather lengthy thread...

WARNING - Lasers Are Dangerous

PLEASE take a moment and review the Laser Safety Precautions and Best Practice Recommendations for using; or being physically present at any use of a high power laser.

Your eyesight might depend on it.

[Whiterabbitrage]

Hunter0 ~PM sent

[miserkris]

Blord at laser pointer forums makes the best custom lasers and at a great price too.

[Whiterabbitrage]

Thank you. Wicked Laser has been a waste of time and money. Ordered a custom built laser from a guy at Laser Pointer Forum. Hopefully this will work!

[Whiterabbitrage]

Has anyone ever put their laser in a plastic bag and used it from inside the tank? My boyfriend assures me that it will work but I am skeptical. It would allow me to get to some pests that are behind rocks though...