Use of Lasers in Controlling Pest Algae and Corals

[CalmSeasQuest]

My 1.2W does work, it just takes longer, especially with lighter colored targets, or those with more mass. The longer laze sessions are problematic due to duty cycle limitations which are typically ~1 minute on, followed by 1 minute of cooling.

You might want to peruse LaserPointerForums - There are a few very highly skilled laser builders that can create a higher power laser at much lower price points.

 

[luisagos]

Would like to give thanks to all here for all the great information.

I just ordered a 2,100mW 2.1W 445nm Black C6 Laser for $220

Specs:

Average Power output: 2,100mW (+/-100mW) measured over a 45 second test.
Lens: High efficiency 405-G-2 lens
Diode: M140 445nm putting out over 2W at only 1.62A!
Driver: Mohgasm 1.62A thermal epoxied to aluminum chip and the pill.
Module: 12mm Copper
Heatsink: Black anodized Aluminum
Focus: Adjustable with use of anodized black matching focus adapter
Duty cycle: 90sec on/off (recommended) Let laser cool if it feels more than warm.


I now need some goggles, what do recommend buying from and what kind.
Thank you again.

 

[gorally]

Would like to give thanks to all here for all the great information.

I just ordered a 2,100mW 2.1W 445nm Black C6 Laser for $220

Specs:

Average Power output: 2,100mW (+/-100mW) measured over a 45 second test.
Lens: High efficiency 405-G-2 lens
Diode: M140 445nm putting out over 2W at only 1.62A!
Driver: Mohgasm 1.62A thermal epoxied to aluminum chip and the pill.
Module: 12mm Copper
Heatsink: Black anodized Aluminum
Focus: Adjustable with use of anodized black matching focus adapter
Duty cycle: 90sec on/off (recommended) Let laser cool if it feels more than warm.


I now need some goggles, what do recommend buying from and what kind.
Thank you again.

Could you PM me the link. Thx,

 

[jrpark22000]

I now need some goggles, what do recommend buying from and what kind.
Thank you again.

Goggles specific to the wavelenght of your laser and as strong as possible but still allows for the endpoint to be visable.

Here is the post where I found mine.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=19679278&postcount=137

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

A quick update on my experience on the use of lasers in marine aquaria...

I haven't used the laser in months. As far as I can see, I have eradicated all Aptasia in my tanks (now if I can just get rid of the red calcareous algae.) Some individual polyps required multiple lase sessions - but all eventually died and have not returned. I consider my test of the use of lasers in pest control a long-term success with a few caveats,

Safety First - (for you, any observers (intended or otherwise) and the inhabitants of your tank remain paramount. Used in an unsafe manner, laser light at the powers used for this purpose is dangerous and will burn and blind.

The laser worked very well for me as I was able to acquire a very powerful unit AND my tank had only a few fish, including clowns that rarely left a specific area and my frag tank had no fish. This made it easy to work in areas where they would not be exposed to the beam or endpoint.

Cost - Although prices are dropping, it's still a very expensive tool.

 

[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.:fun5:

 

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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.:fun5:

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]

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]

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]

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.