Use of Lasers in Controlling Pest Algae and Corals

[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]

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...

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

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...

I own and tested a water-proof laser and posted the results earlier in this thread. It performed OK, but as it was lower power, was not as effective as a larger laser used from outside the tank.

The focus is critical, when I tested the water-proof version, it initially failed as there was air trapped beneath the lens rendering it ineffective. I don't think the plastic bag idea is viable, as I think the bag itself would not function the same optically as the glass or acrylic and would likely interfere with the focus, or be melted.

 

[miserkris]

Calm seas quest and others...

Does anyone know if high powered.. like 1.7w blue 445nm lasers that have a RECTANGULAR end point work for killing pests in dt?

I have one ...but it only inconvenienced them. ...i don't hear the popping or cracking sound that happens when u fry them right.

Maybe mine doesn't focus well?

Please advice. Thx

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Calm seas quest and others...

Does anyone know if high powered.. like 1.7w blue 445nm lasers that have a RECTANGULAR end point work for killing pests in dt?

I have one ...but it only inconvenienced them. ...i don't hear the popping or cracking sound that happens when u fry them right.

Maybe mine doesn't focus well?

Please advice. Thx

I'm not familiar with rectangular optics, but the focus is absolutely critical for this use. I've found that even the most powerful laser will be ineffective if the beam endpoint isn't focused to a very small dot. You can use the "sizzling and popping" sound as an indicator you've achieved the correct focus.

 

[uny2bld]

Subscribed!

I was looking at this laser: http://www.wickedlasers.com/arctic but now I'm reading this thread and others and am considering other options...

if you were to buy just one laser, which would you reccomend?

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Subscribed!

I was looking at this laser: http://www.wickedlasers.com/arctic but now I'm reading this thread and others and am considering other options...

if you were to buy just one laser, which would you reccomend?

IMHO, based on the reviews of Wicked lasers, I would not purchase through them and at $600+ for ~2W, you can have a much better/higher output unit made for less money.

 

[uny2bld]

IMHO, based on the reviews of Wicked lasers, I would not purchase through them and at $600+ for ~2W, you can have a much better/higher output unit made for less money.

Thanks for the input.

Would you reccomend Survival Laser II as one of the better options?

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Thanks for the input.

Would you reccomend Survival Laser II as one of the better options?

Yes, one of my early lasers was from Survival, it was a quality product. I'd also recommend spending some time at LaserPointerForums.com. It's a great resource with many talented builders. I just noted a 3+W 445nm unit available in the for-sale section for $349. It appears to be a MONSTER...

Diode : 445nm 9mm diode
Output diode : over 3000mW
Output buck driver: 2.4A current
Lens : G2
Power supply : 2x 26650 Li-ion rechargeable battery.
Duty cycle : 5min on/ 2min off.

Make sure you've read and understand the safety requirements, have appropriate eye protection and a way to secure the laser when not in use.

Good luck!

 

[uny2bld]

Yes, one of my early lasers was from Survival, it was a quality product. I'd also recommend spending some time at LaserPointerForums.com. It's a great resource with many talented builders. I just noted a 3+W 445nm unit available in the for-sale section for $349. It appears to be a MONSTER...

Diode : 445nm 9mm diode
Output diode : over 3000mW
Output buck driver: 2.4A current
Lens : G2
Power supply : 2x 26650 Li-ion rechargeable battery.
Duty cycle : 5min on/ 2min off.

Make sure you've read and understand the safety requirements, have appropriate eye protection and a way to secure the laser when not in use.

Good luck!

Awesome! Thanks so much for the advice

 

[seafish]

lasering aiptasias

lasering aiptasias

I recently bought a Spider3 arctic blue light laser 2W for our aiptasia problem in our 180gal tank. The glass is 1/2" thick. After watching some videos online, seeming it should not be that difficult, attempted my try at removing these critters. After several tries I am not getting the results I was hoping for. I am leaving the light on them for quite some time.

 

[Whiterabbitrage]

Why aren't you getting the results you expected? Are the Aiptasia retracting too quickly to be fried? Is the laser not focusing the beam enough to fry?