Use of Lasers in Controlling Pest Algae and Corals

[CalmSeasQuest]

I've been doing some research on the use of Laser light in eradicating and/or controlling certain pests frequent in marine aquaria. These include,


Aiptasia / Mojano
Blue/Green Algae including Valonia and Bryopsis
Xenia
GSP
Virtually any other unwanted pests such as vermetid snails, predatory crabs...

In theory, it should be a simply process to eliminate any unwanted life from an aquarium, and easily prune others (think of it as a lawn edger for an area of Xenia or GSP.) I'm also curious about the possibility of using Laser to "cauterize" part of a coral subject to RTN. It might also work well for laser-fragging soft corals such as Z&Ps as it could be done while the coral was still in the water.

The most common laser pointers (< 5mW) do not generate anywhere near enough energy to be effective. Higher power lasers are now available that can emit enough energy to instantly "boil" the targeted pest, while avoiding damage to adjecent corals. The primary challenges with this approach,

Cost - Higher power lasers are expensive.
Safety - Eye protection is an absolute nesessity as intant blindness is possible should the beam (or potentially a reflection) strike your eye.
Legality - There are FDA imposed restrictions on the sale of Class IV lasers (<50mW) that make them difficult (read expensive) to acquire.
Risk to livestock - Caution will have to be mainted to prevent fish from being struck by the laser. At very high power settings, even viewing the point being lased "might" result in damage to their eyesight (still investigating this concern.)

I've ordered the components to build a 1800mW / 445nm laser to test the above theories and develop effective practices. More to follow...

ps. Sorry for including this in the LED section - It required a sub-prefix and no others seemed appropriate. The light source in a laser is a light emitting diode :)

[MizTanks]

I can't wait to see this! You go CSQ!!

[Sir Patrick]

Tagging along and looking forward to seeing this laser in action!

[larryandlaura]

Sweet dude I want one!

[jimsflies]

CSQ ---> Dr. Evil


Sounds intriguing!

[redemer123]

I'll be following along on this one pal, I too have considered such means of eradicating pests but lack to know how to figure it out. :) please keep us updated.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Here's what the components look like (you can't purchase pre-built due to FDA regs)...

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/Reef/1800mW445nm.jpg

The next challenge is safety (mine as well as that of the livestock.) At this power output, blinding could be instantaneous if shined in ones eye (including a reflection of the beam.) Even looking at the beam endpoint unprotected is dangerous. Safety goggles provide user/viewer protection. I'm still working on a shield to prevent injury to livestock.

This idea was suggested by Lotus-Darkrose, a user in the Laser Pointer forums - albeit a bit difficult to deploy

http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy141/tconwell/Reef/Clownfish_shades.jpg

I hope to be able to begin testing in a few days.

[iyachtuxivm]

This may sound like a dumb question but are you able to use this through the glass? Or is it submersible?

[Manoj's Reef]

Tagging along. Those are a pain to deal with :(

[slapshot]

This may sound like a dumb question but are you able to use this through the glass? Or is it submersible?

Not dumb at all, I was wondering the same thing. If this works Calm you could start a business frying everyone pests. I tried once to fry the eyes of a bad crab with one of those pointers, assuming it would make him a meal for someone but it did not work.

[Sun357]

Awesome idea if it can work out.

Possible putting the front of the laser in a 'flash suppressor' type deal but more like a box on all sides except the target side and then a single hole/scope right above it on the laser side...therefore light should only go out where you aim it and reflect out back towards the laser where you'd be wearing safety glasses and be able to make sure no fish or other critters are in the way easily.

Kind of just rambling on but if it is submersible that type of idea I think could work. You seem to be the genius here so I doubt i'm saying anything you haven't thought of! =D

Definitely going to keep tabs on this.

~Fred

[CalmSeasQuest]

This may sound like a dumb question but are you able to use this through the glass? Or is it submersible?

As long as the glass is clean, it will work fine (the laser focusing lens is made of glass.) My initial research shows the same is true for acrylic as it's optically clearer than glass. In theory, it might also be possible to build a waterproof version that would allow submersion (although I don't think it will be necessary.)

Protecting the livestock from eye damage resulting from viewing the beam endpoint can be accomplished with as little as a section of smoked or frosted acrylic pipe placed on the end of a long rod or dowel. Even with this, extreme caution will be required as an 1800mW laser would instantly badly burn or slice through any living thing that happened to encounter the beam.

[jolson10450]

from working with lasers before i think this is completely possible but the only downside is i never worked with a laser underwater. the laser can work on frozen parts so i dont really see a difference in using a laser under water other than the water contents its self could scatter the laser some but it shouldn't be enough to effect the focus. problem would be getting the proper focus for each point of your tank to accurately burn things because not everything is at the same exact level. i guess the way to achieve this is to attach a focus stick to it so when you place the focus stick next to what you want to burn it shoots at the exact focus each time for it. so yes i believe it to be possible but it will also be expensive and take a lot of time but for those pests you dont want to come back it may be worth it or at least a fun project.

one thing to take into account is what types of toxins the coral or object could potentially release if you were to burn it underwater. if you burn down a few zoas then they may release an enhanced palytoxin into the water and cause mass death in the tank.

curious to see how it turns out, most lasers i worked with burned labels and 2d codes in parts and they were priced anywhere from $40,000 to $1,000,000

[CalmSeasQuest]

Laser light will penetrate fine in clear water. Focusing is variable and done with a low power targeting laser affixed to the primary laser. The targeting laser also identifies any potentially hazardous reflections prior to firing the primary laser.

I'm not sure what is meant by your term "enhanced Palytoxin". While I've not been able to locate much research on this use, existing research indicates heat does destroy Palytoxin. I don't beleive there would be an increase in toxin release compared to any other in-tank eradication method, perhaps even less. The laser focuses light energy up to 100,000 times, thus the 1800mW laser being utilized is is the equivalent of up to ~180,000 watts of energy being delivered to the focus point. I suspect that potentially toxic compounds would be quickly broken down by the localized intense heat

[jimsflies]

Any chance that the reflected light or a misfire could break a tank?

[CalmSeasQuest]

Any chance that the reflected light or a misfire could break a tank?

It doesn't seem so. As the glass is clear, the laser light (or reflection therefrom) simply passes through it, having no impact whatsoever. Any reflection would also have significantly less energy, posing even less threat.

I do think it will be effective at removing Coralline. Just have to monitor the temp and limit burn times to prevent the heated Coralline from heating the glass. I doubt it will be any concern based on the localized nature of the laser and the amount of cooling provided by the water.

All that said - I won't know until I try :)

[Sir Patrick]

A video if the initial test will be awsome!

I am really looking forward to the results!

[jolson10450]

Laser light will penetrate fine in clear water. Focusing is variable and done with a low power targeting laser affixed to the primary laser. The targeting laser also identifies any potentially hazardous reflections prior to firing the primary laser.

I'm not sure what is meant by your term "enhanced Palytoxin". While I've not been able to locate much research on this use, existing research indicates heat does destroy Palytoxin. I don't beleive there would be an increase in toxin release compared to any other in-tank eradication method, perhaps even less. The laser focuses light energy up to 100,000 times, thus the 1800mW laser being utilized is is the equivalent of up to ~180,000 watts of energy being delivered to the focus point. I suspect that potentially toxic compounds would be quickly broken down by the localized intense heat

yeah true, but in most cases when people want to get rid of zoa's and paly's they just remove the rock and replace it or scrub it outside of the tank, not much work is actually done to remove the coral inside of the tank that is why i brought it up. i know if you take your finger and flatten a colony of zoas in the water they release the toxins and you have to run fresh carbon everyday and do good water changes to not cause death but not to sure what happens to the toxins when they get heated that hot? and if it did burn away the toxins is there a bi-product from it and could that potentially be hazardous?

[CalmSeasQuest]

yeah true, but in most cases when people want to get rid of zoa's and paly's they just remove the rock and replace it or scrub it outside of the tank, not much work is actually done to remove the coral inside of the tank that is why i brought it up. i know if you take your finger and flatten a colony of zoas in the water they release the toxins and you have to run fresh carbon everyday and do good water changes to not cause death but not to sure what happens to the toxins when they get heated that hot? and if it did burn away the toxins is there a bi-product from it and could that potentially be hazardous?

Hence my use of the phrase "in-tank eradication" in reply to your earlier comments Justin. In many cases, it's not feasible to simply remove and scrub the rock - if it were, use of a Laser certainly would not come into play.

Obviously there are many unknowns as Lasers have not been used in marine aquaria in this manner. This is how we learn and advance the hobby/science - through experimentation.

Perhaps you should start another thread if you want to advance your theories regarding heat created "enhanced palytoxins" ;)

Thanks for helping me keep this one on topic :)

[jolson10450]

Your Welcome :thumbsup:

[CalmSeasQuest]

I received and assembled the laser and waited for the batteries to charge (about 5 hours.) This model is 1800mW and generates a 445nm beam (beam is blue in color.) It has a 60 seconds maximum duty cycle and then requires a 120 second cooling time. I purchased a Pelican case and lock to prevent any unintentional access.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/DSC_2073.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/DSC_2081.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/DSC_2082.jpg

The second laser shown is a lower output 30mW laser with a 532nm beam (green.) This will be affixed to the main laser used for targeting and to test if any reflections will occur. The spectrum is important as the safety glasses block virtually all light in the 190-445nm range, making it almost impossible to see any reflections from the main laser. The green color beam of the targeting laser is easily viewable with the safety glasses on. Targeting with the low power laser is also important due to how quickly the main laser damages anything it touches. You would not want to hit a prized coral for even a second.

I've only had a time to conduct a few tests as I want to complete fabricating a shield to protect the livestock before continuing. Also, more time will be needed to fully determine the impact and to see if anything re-grows – but here is what I've observed so far…

Safety observations…This thing is scary-powerful. You have to be very careful.


An 1800mW laser beam is both terrifying and amazing. I used a cardboard box to initially set the lens focus. The very instant the end point was focused, it began cutting through the box. In just a couple seconds the beam had completely burned through the cardboard.
The Eagle Pair safety glasses do a great job of blocking light in the 190-540nm spectrum – All that is visible is an orange, pinpoint glow at the beam endpoint. Reflections are very difficult to see. This poses an additional risk and underscores the importance of first targeting with a low power laser (in a spectrum that can be seen while wearing the safety glasses) to test for dangerous reflections. It's also important to note that the glasses are designed to prevent against stray, reflected laser light – they are not designed to protect against a beam hitting you directly in the eye. After seeing the power of this, I shudder to think what would happen to your eye.
Caution is advised is determining the angle at which you lase through the glass or acrylic. You have to be careful not to use the laser perfectly perpendicular to the glass/acrylic as unseen reflections will result in lasing your hand. Even the reflection is quite painful and feels like being stuck with a thousand needles. I now wear a long sleeve shirt and nitrile gloves when using the laser as another precaution.
I have real concerns about any fish viewing the beam endpoint. Thus far, I've only used the laser in areas where no fish were present until I can fabricate a shield. I would NOT use this without a method to prevent livestock from viewing the beam end-point. Even after extended laser sessions with the beam in the same spot, I detected no temperature increase in either glass or acrylic. I made sure all panes were clean. As far as impact to the tank itself - I believe it to be completely safe for use from outside an aquarium.
I've found it to be more effective if all water movement in the tank is stopped during laser sessions. The minimizes cooling keeps the targets still.
I've ordered a second pair of safety glasses (~$50) to enable an observer to photograph and video the process. Without eye protection, I would not allow anyone (or any pet) anywhere near the room with an active laser.


Early Results

Wow… there is no doubt in my mind that this is an effective method to kill virtually ANYTHING in an aquarium. The immediate results vary based on the type of target. So far I've tried the following,


Aiptasia – Highly effective. Within seconds, you can clearly hear a “sizzling” sound as they literally begin to boil – often following by a “pop” as they explode. They try and retreat as soon as the laser hits them. Assuming you have a clear shot at the hole – this only increased the lasers effectiveness as you're able to focus all the energy in a single spot (as opposed to lasing the fully opened Aiptasia. I will be very surprised if any of the Aiptasia targeted return. Time to total kill - <10 seconds.
Green Star Polyps – Highly effective. Within in seconds they are toast. They burn very quickly.
Xenia – Effective. Killing Xenia does to take longer than the Aiptasia – I'd estimate about 30 seconds. This may be due to their lighter color. It seems best to focus on the base of the polyp often resulting in a popping noise. Time will tell if they return.
Mojano – I dont' have any Mojano in any of my tanks, but I see no reason why the results would be much different. It may take slightly longer to kill larger specimens, but the end result should be the same…death by LASER.
Valonia – Too soon to tell. The laser quickly cuts directly though both walls of any Valonia bubble but more time will be needed to see if this actually kills the bubble.
Miscellaneous Algaes – Too soon to tell. When lasered, virtually everything living begins to pop and smoke. It's amazing how clearly you can hear the sizzling sound. It would take a lot of time to destroy large patches of algae, but I believe it is possible.
Cyano – Highly Effective. A quick pass makes Cyano disappear. It works although I think there are more effective means to combat Cyano.

I'll follow up with before/after photos and video once I receive a second pair of safety glasses for an observer to film and with updates as to if any of the targeted pests regrew.

[rosebud161616]

All drama aside, I would love to read more info on the laser! Please continue!

I originally read some about this topic over on RC but really stopped researching it much due to all of the safety concerns. It sounds like you're making a lot of progress on ideas to combat those issues. I noticed that you mentioned that the laser has the ability to use a low powered laser to "test" for reflection issues. The reflection issue is the biggest deal for me. Not just for the tank inhabitants but for other inhabitants in the room (my husband, dogs, etc.) Does the powerful laser not actually display until the low powered display determines its safe? Is this pretty fool proof?

[CalmSeasQuest]

All drama aside, I would love to read more info on the laser! Please continue!


I originally read some about this topic over on RC but really stopped researching it much due to all of the safety concerns. It sounds like you're making a lot of progress on ideas to combat those issues. I noticed that you mentioned that the laser has the ability to use a low powered laser to "test" for reflection issues. The reflection issue is the biggest deal for me. Not just for the tank inhabitants but for other inhabitants in the room (my husband, dogs, etc.) Does the powerful laser not actually display until the low powered display determines its safe? Is this pretty fool proof?

Your concern is valid.

Because the safety glasses block almost all of the 445nm light, it's difficult if not impossible to see all the reflections from the main laser (hence the importance of the targeting laser.) In the cases where I inadvertently lased my hand, I was not able to see the reflection, but I certainly felt the pain.

I'm creating a fixture to attach the targeting laser directly to the main laser so that it can be adjusted to set the correct convergence based on the distance from the target.

This is definitely not fool proof. Despite what I thought were adequate precautions, I still managed to "sting" myself a couple times. I hadn't accounted for the fact I would not be able to see all the reflections.

I absolutely would not allow anyone or any pet anywhere near a room that had an active laser without eye protection.

[dlhirst]

Jim, you stole my posting! I was going to suggest trained Blennies that could be equipped with laser weaponry mounted on their backs. Dr. Evil would approve...

What's to stop a laser powerful enough to cut through calcareous skeleton from cutting through the bottom of your tank? I have seen laser cutting equipment used to replace metal stamping equipment... and they always come WITH a program designed to cut a new work table - because you are always replacing the destroyed ones. Granted "hot enough to boil a monkey's bum" would kill the aiptasia, and not actually CUT through anything. But,...

[Sir Patrick]

If you need some mojanos to test on, let me know.....

I have been battling the same mother group for over 10 years! So far I keep them under control but never fully eradicate them. I have at least 3 at all times.

[CalmSeasQuest]

If you need some mojanos to test on, let me know.....

I have been battling the same mother group for over 10 years! So far I keep them under control but never fully eradicate them. I have at least 3 at all times.

Thanks Chris - I've had many offer up their tanks containing Aiptasia and Mojanos for testing.

Early results indicate they won't stand a chance :) It will be a while though - I still have lots of testing to do before I would consider recommending this for anyone else's tank.

[CalmSeasQuest]

I took some time to think through what types of general hazards and precautions might apply to anyone considering the use of lasers in aquaria. This is just a rough, first draft that will hopefully serve as a springboard for more discussion and refinement of a set of "best practices"

I also feel a disclaimer is appropriate...

Lasers are dangerous. I am not a laser technician, scientist, specialist or expert. I have no formal education in the use of lasers. I am simply a marine hobbyist researching the use of lasers in aquaria. There is no guarantee as to accuracy. These are not instructions or guidelines, but rather talking points intended to spark further discussion on the subject. Use this information at your own risk.

This is a work in progress - Please feel free to comment or add anything you beleive should also be included...




Best practices for the use of lasers in aquaria (first draft)


Secure the Area
The lase area should be closed off from any transient traffic to prevent someone from unknowingly entering the area without appropriate eye protection. Any doors should be closed and locked. Any windows should be covered or blinds closed to prevent the escape of reflected laser energy. Only the laser operator and those required in the process should be allowed in the area. All pets should be removed from the area and prevented for reentering while the laser is in use.

Protective Gear
A high power laser beam striking your eye, or the eye of an observer can result in instant and permanent blindness. Even viewing the beam endpoint without eye protection will cause eye damage. The user and everyone within the viewing or potential reflection areas must be equipped with appropriate eye protection specifically designed for the wavelength laser being used. Sunglasses do not protect against laser light. Laser eye protection is designed to protect against unintentional reflections and endpoint viewing. It is not designed to protect from a laser beam being directed toward the eye. Never look directly at a laser beam or allow it to directly strike your eye. Long sleeves and Nitrile gloves offer an additional layer of protection for the operator.

Identify and Eliminate Reflection Hazards
Using high power lasers in glass and acrylic tanks is virtually guaranteed to create potentially hazardous beam reflections. These beam reflections can cause serious injury. This danger is amplified by the fact that use of the appropriate safety goggles will prevent you from seeing most beam reflections. Positioning the laser at right angles (directly perpendicular) to the tank glass or acrylic should be avoided as unseen laser energy will be reflected directly toward the user. Burns to exposed tissue can occur within seconds.To prevent injury, a low power targeting laser (such as a laser pointer) in a different spectrum that can be seen when using the safety goggles should be utilized to identify any reflections before firing the high power laser.

Identify Backstops
The laser beam will penetrate clean glass or acrylic with virtually no heat being transmitted to the tank material. The beam will quickly (almost instantly) pierce though the targeted item and impact anything behind it. Extreme caution must be exercised to prevent injury to any livestock located behind the targeted item. Painted or dark glass or acrylic surfaces may become heated during lasing.

Reduce Water Flow
Pumps should be turned off during lasering. This limits the cooling effect of water passing over the target thereby increasing the effectiveness of the laser and reducing the firing duration required to achieve the intended results. It also simplifies targeting as the intended pest is motionless.

Protecting Tank Inhabitants
Failure to protect tank inhabitants from repeated viewing the beam endpoint will likely result in blindness to your livestock. Ideally, all livestock should be removed and held in quarantine in a tank protected (covered) from stray laser light until laser treatment is completed. Alternative methods(s) to protect livestock from encountering the beam or end-point include,

Physical Barriers - Use of physical barriers to prevent inhabitants from accessing an area being lased and to prevent any laser energy (beam pass-through or reflections) from entering any areas containing livestock.

Endpoint Shield - If physically blocking off the area being lased is impractical due to tank features, an end-point shield should be used to prevent inhabitants from viewing the end-beam. In this case, extreme diligence is required to extinguish the beam should any inhabitants approach. This is likely, due to curiosity over the sizzling sound created by the operating laser. The endpoint shield can be created by simply as a short section of opaque acrylic (such as painted or frosted.) PVC should not be used as it emits toxins when heated.

Potential Impact to Water Quality
Use of a lasers to eradicate certain marine pests may result in the release of undetermined levels of toxins into the water column. It is believed that the intense heat may break down some of the compounds (such as Palytoxins.) Depending on the type and number of pests being destroyed and the size of the tank, the user should be prepared to use fresh carbon and or execute a water change to reduce any toxins produced.

Securing the Laser When Not in Use
When not in use the laser should be treated and stored as a firearm. When not is use it should be secured in a lockable case with batteries removed. The locked case should be stored out of the reach of children.


Thanks to those that have already provided comments and additonal items to include - It's rough, but it's a start.

[CalmSeasQuest]

The use of Lasers by Marine Aquarists was just featured in Advanced Aquarist...


Zap aiptasia dead with laser beams! &mdash; Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog (http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog/zap-aiptasia-dead-with-laser-beams)

[jimsflies]

Congrats on the feature!

[Paulo]

CSQ Laser tattoo removal service he is not telling us about lol. Looks like a cool project will be neat to see how it works!
Paulo

[CalmSeasQuest]

CSQ Laser tattoo removal service he is not telling us about lol. Looks like a cool project will be neat to see how it works!
Paulo

LOL - These lasers would remove a tattoo by completely vaporizing the skin, and tissue containing the ink OUCH!

I completed a brief series of videos showing the eradication of Aiptasia, GSP and Xenia along with the cutting of a "DMZ" between battling Montipora.

I'll post them as soon as the uploads are processed by YouTube.

[bluwc]

As far as a mount, what about a suction cup that has a bracket attached to it it that comes up a couple of inches that will swivel allowing full positioning of a pen laser. If you market it, it must be small, compact and easy to use. Just a thought but you may want to get a patent pending....

[CalmSeasQuest]

Here are a few short videos (HD) showing how different corals respond to the laser. The Montipora were lasered through glass - the rest through acrylic.


http://youtu.be/QWnfnc_IdEo


http://youtu.be/AvPltwSOZDc


http://youtu.be/9dkux_JpPg4


http://youtu.be/Jky0U2MlPwk

[slapshot]

Crazy!! The fun I could have on a Saturday afternoon.

[Sir Patrick]

Big hand for CSQ!!!

Awsome job Tom-

Looking forward to the updates in a couple weeks.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Big hand for CSQ!!!

Awsome job Tom-

Looking forward to the updates in a couple weeks.

Thanks Chris - It's getting interesting :)

[CalmSeasQuest]

In following up on a number of the tests, I'm finding that Xenia seems to be among the most laser-resistant and I suspect it might be associate with it's lighter color and greater mass. I've found that in smaller patches, I'm able to completely destroy it in a single session, with larger groupings requiring multiple laser sessions.

The Monti test was perfect...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/2011-12-07122524.jpg

It vaporized all the tissue in the lased area without hurting any of the surrounding polyps or tissue. All that remains is the bleached with skeleton.

Here are a few thoughts I've formulated since starting these tests...


More is Better - Although expensive and requiring the maximum safety precautions, I think using lasers with the highest outputs are a plus. This is also important as it appears that many lasers being sold often fail to meet the advertised output. Better retailers will also provide (for a fee) a "power certificate" detailing the actual performance of the laser and diode being purchased.
Cooling effect of water - Because were using laser to superheat and destroy pest with the aquarium, were subject to the cooling effect of the surrounding, moving water.
Planula - One of the primary pest being targeted is Aiptasia. When attacked, it can release free-swimming larva called Planula. If not destroyed, these can go on to create many hundreds (if not thousands) of new pests. In theory at least, we want to generate the maximum heat possible, in the shortest time possible to destroy any Planula released.
Transparency and colors resistant to laser - Some of the pests being tested seem more resistant to destruction by laser. These include Xenia, a much lighter (almost white colored) soft coral that is very fleshy and seems to recover from even extended lase sessions.
Use in destroying blue/green algaes - Many algaes also seem resistant to laser destruction. While the sizzling and popping sounds are easily heard during lasering - they seemingly are able to regrow.

While 1800mw 445nm is proving to be extremely effective, I'm currently researching the use of a different spectrum laser that might provide even better results over the 445.

[CalmSeasQuest]

For anyone questioning the potential damage a 1000mW laser can do - Here's a story about a laser hobbyist inadvertently struck in the eye by a 1 watt 445 nm, blue laser (http://laserpointerforums.com/f53/hit-eye-1000mw-445nm-blue-laser-69469.html) (less powerful than what many are using in aquaria.) Even though the laser struck his eye for only about a second (as it rolled off a table), it resulted in burns to his retina requiring surgery (at the time time this was written, the outcome of surgery was still pending.)

To give you a sense of the damage to his eye - Here's an image of a healthy retina...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/Healthy_retina.jpg

Here's the image of the retina damaged by the laser...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/1W445nm_Retina-1.jpg

Had he been wearing appropriate eye protection, no damage would have resulted.

[slapshot]

Ok I'll stick with my kalk and vinegar. Yikes!!

[rosebud161616]

I agree! I don't want to negatively get this topic off track, but it seems like the risks strongly outweigh the benefits here...

[slapshot]

In the hands of a trained person I think it is a cool solution. Like so much in this hobby you have to know what you are doing with what you have. This is a great example and timely warning for us. Thanks. I'll pay someone like Calm to destroy my pests for me but I'll will leave it up to the experts.

[CalmSeasQuest]

The OD4 acrylic (the most expensive square foot of .140" thick plastic I've ever purchased) should arrive next week so I can start working on the endpoint shield. While I'm looking forward to testing the underwater host, I'm finding extremely easy to work through the glass.

Today I cleared a large patch of Xenia that had grown from the side glass (where I allow it and GSP to exist) onto adjacent rock work. It took a couple of sessions (due to the 60 second duty cycle of my laser) to eliminate it. I've found it sometimes takes a brief additional lasing in a few days should any survive. Even with that it's extremely effective taking less than 10 minutes in total.

The testing on Valonia was also effective. I found that a few seconds lasing the entire bubble resulted in 100% kill rates. The bubble fades and dissolves over the following few days.

Bryopsis - I only had a small amount on a frag plug to work with, but although it seems tougher, also withers and dies. It takes a bit more lasing time, but it seems to have been effective as after a couple of weeks it has yet to return.

Although much of the discussion has "focused" on eradicating Aiptasia - I'm finding it incredible to be able to easily control Xenia and GSP. As many that have introduced them into their tank have found, it's very easy for both to get out of control. Lasers provide a fast and effective way to manage both.

[pjr]

I have had an outbreak of buble algae in my nano of just crazy proportions. If you need a "beta site" let me know!

[CalmSeasQuest]

A small update - I lased a couple of larger Aiptasia about 2 weeks back and noticed that both were regrowing. I believe the regrowth was a result of my failure to gain access to the foot of the polyp. These polyps were attached to the stems of Frag plugs that were angled in such a manner I didn't have a "clean shot" at the attachment point and I didn't take the time to rotate them for better access.

I've had great success up to this point, so I believe it was a case of user error. The key to preventing regrowth seems to be super-heating the entire polyp. I believe having the highest power output / longest duty cycle laser provides for increased success. To that end, I ordered a custom made 2W+ 445nm laser with increased heat-syncing and a G-1 lens that should work very well for this process. It won't be complete for a couple of weeks, but I'll post updates thereafter. Here are a couple photos of the new laser design...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/P3110112.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/P3130058.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/P3130094.jpg

The addition of this 3rd laser will allow for alternating the lasers making quick work of any pests without being limited by duty-cycle concerns.

[MizTanks]

How is that powered?

[CalmSeasQuest]

How is that powered?

All of the lasers I own use rechargeable Lithium Ion cells. They are inexpensive and easy to recharge. You can see the batteries and re-charger and the photo below.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/DSC_2082.jpg

[MizTanks]

I love technology! This is way cool CSQ!

[CalmSeasQuest]

Here's the latest addition which ships on Monday. The photo shows it's power output being measured using an LPM (Laser Power Meter.) More than 2.2W of 445nm should make quick work of most any pest.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/LPMShot.jpg

This one has extensive copper heat-syncing that should also provide for a healthy duty cycle.

[Sir Patrick]

You can bring that over anytime....hehehe.....

[MizTanks]

I'm still waiting on the results of the star polyp laser test!!!

[binford4000]

All of the lasers I own use rechargeable Lithium Ion cells. They are inexpensive and easy to recharge. You can see the batteries and re-charger and the photo below.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/DSC_2082.jpg

this is really cool stuff !!! Just wondering how much all these lasers are costing?? Caan you post prices and vendors by any chance ?

[CalmSeasQuest]

You can bring that over anytime....hehehe.....
This one is still being built. It now looks like the heat syncing might support a 2400mw diode. This would be the most powerful largest single-diode 445nm I have ever seen. It would certainly incinerate any pest with ease.

I'm still waiting on the results of the star polyp laser test!!!
The results were complete resulting in total annihilation, poof, ceased to exist, a sudden and total going away of the target :)

this is really cool stuff !!! Just wondering how much all these lasers are costing?? Caan you post prices and vendors by any chance ?I've purchased kits (survivallaser.com (http://www.survivallaser.com/Survival_Laser_II_Special_Edition_445nm_Parts_Bund le_-_Laser_Components_Only/p556088_5173902.aspx)) completed lasers (Lazerer.com (http://lazerer.com/Blue_Laser_Pointer?product_id=153)) and am currently having a custom unit being built with costs ranging from $160~$500+.

The good news is power outputs are increasing and costs are dropping so they will become more affordable over time. The 445nm diodes being used are basically the same laser diodes used in 12X Blue Ray players.

[Preuss Pets]

Perhaps the coolest thread I've read in years. Following along with great interest.

Steve

[MizTanks]

Glad to hear CSQ!

[MizTanks]

Glad to hear CSQ! Would be cool if they were available to rent :)

[Speedracer]

Freakn lasers man! Promising yet dangerous to the average user...

[CalmSeasQuest]

I just received the new build today, it LPM'd in at just under 2.4W :D

I haven't had a chance to put this one to work yet, but upon first impression - the workmanship is first class...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/2012-05-03103428.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/2012-05-03103501.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/2012-05-03103821.jpg

The duty cycle for this build is 2 min on / 1 min off which is amazing for a handheld generating this much power. I'll provide more information once I've had a chance to give it a proper test.

[CalmSeasQuest]

I spent about 30 minutes with the new 2.4W 445nm and it is clearly far superior to anything else I've tried.


The additional power output reduced Xenia to "bubbling blob" status much faster than my next most powerful unit.

Despite the much higher power, the heat sinking is so massive the duty cycles are longer. Initial use - 3 minutes. Thereafter 2 minutes on / 1 minute off.

The optics on this laser allow me to better focus the beam endpoint for more effective burning.

Regarding maintaining focus - If the beam endpoint is even slightly out of focus, the power delivered to the target quickly drops off to unusable levels. I have a clip-on tripod attachment that I tried but rarely use. As I'm consistently changing the focal length based on the distance to the target. I've found it easier and faster to make minute adjustments by adjust the laser position closer/further to maintain focus. I've also found that for me, the best way to maintain focus is based on the sound of the target being eviscerated (snap, crackle, pop...) rather than trying to visually see the size of the beam endpoint (especially difficult with the EaglePair glasses.)

I'll work on setting up a video, for now - as many have asked about how handheld lasers are powered, here's a shot of the Li-Ion batteries being recharged after a successful laze session...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n622/CalmSeasQuest/Reef/2012-05-04112202.jpg

[MizTanks]

OH Boy!! Can't wait to see this puppy in action~LOL.

[jimsflies]

Tom imagine the algae you could zap with this:

The Laser Beam 1,000 Times More Powerful than the United States | Techland | TIME.com (http://techland.time.com/2012/07/19/the-laser-beam-1000-times-more-powerful-than-the-united-states/?hpt=hp_t2)

[Saltwaternoob]

It looks like a light saber handle.

[pjr]

I sold my aptasia zapper because I thought they were all eliminated From my nano.. But damn they came back. Need to practice with that laser? :)