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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Using high powered lasers in aquaria: Bowfront tank

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Nov 30, 2013
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Hello everyone. I have been lurking this forum for a couple years now. I did the majority of my research using this forum when purchasing my first high powered laser and I thank you all for your collective knowlege.

I am currently using 445nm focusable 1W blue laser to zap aiptasia in my tank.

My tank is a 155gal bowfront. I can zap aiptatsia in the front and middle of the tank with ease, but I can't get the ones in the back of my tank.

I am assuming this is because of the curve of the glass causing the light to bend so that I can't make a pinpoint focal point. The aiptasia won't burn no matter how I focus or how long I try to stay on target.

Would a higher wattage make any difference? My logic being that more power = hotter beam at a bigger focal point. Am I making sense?

Or is 1W still enough I just have to figure out proper technique.... apparatus...? I wish they could be submersible!

I hope someone can assist me.
 
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NO4H99

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A tripod may help to steady the laser. If not, a higher power certainly will. Waterproof lasers are available too.
 
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hmmm. A higher wattage might help. there are tons of good deals going on for 445nm lasers between 1W and 3.5W. should be able to get one for under $250. I could point you in the direction of a number of good deals

I can't be too certain, but I bet doubling up on the power will do the trick. I bet it's frustrating, having gotten 1W for this purpose and finding it insufficient

As NO4H99 said there are waterproof lasers too. O-Like sells them, I can't think of other companies or builders that do
 
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Thank you for your responses guys. In regards to waterproof: waterproof doesn't necessarily imply submersible, does it? I would hate myself if I bought a waterproof laser and destroyed it by plunging it underwater.
 
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a more powerful laser would probably do the trick as was said. as far as purchasing a submersible laser maybe a fiber coupled handheld would be better. i admit to knowing very little about fiber outputs and focusing. but if you could just submerge the end of the fiber the laser itself could be kept high and dry.
 
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Why not move the rock first? You could also point the laser in from one of the flat sides and use a mirror in the water to direct the beam.
 

NO4H99

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A waterproof laser should be fully submersible. It will probably just have two sets of o-rings on the head (which will have a second lens besides the module) and on the tailcap.
 
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Thanks everyone. It's good to know that I have more than one option.

I can't move the rock - it's all cemented and has living corals all over. There are no flat sides to my tank except the back against the wall. Laser mirror maneuvering would prove difficult... and dangerous!

Thinking about a waterproof: It would be exceedingly cumbersome to point and angle inside my tank while standing on a ladder and trying to adjust the focus.

I think my best bet would be a higher power. Although I don't really know how to go about getting the ones that are in crevices and facing away from the front. But, I suppose that's a different thread.

The third option of a fiber coupled handheld: I am not ashamed to admit that I feel I would be getting in over my head. I don't know how to shop for this nor how it works! :eek:

I just thought - I could purchase a 2 W waterproof laser and just figure it out! ha.
 
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Jan 11, 2012
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hmmm. A higher wattage might help. there are tons of good deals going on for 445nm lasers between 1W and 3.5W. should be able to get one for under $250. I could point you in the direction of a number of good deals

I can't be too certain, but I bet doubling up on the power will do the trick. I bet it's frustrating, having gotten 1W for this purpose and finding it insufficient

As NO4H99 said there are waterproof lasers too. O-Like sells them, I can't think of other companies or builders that do

Could you please PM me the sources to get them as well? Looking for around 1W and willing to build my own pointer if I can find a Kit or all the parts. Thanks
 
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Dec 29, 2009
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what "1W" are you using? It might just be easier to up the current, aka "potmod" it. These days, is usually just a driver swap rather than an onboard potentiometer. And if you are lucky, some hosts' drivers are really easy to swap. Worth asking.
 
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I just sold a 3.1 watt 445nm laser to someone who said they are planning to use the laser to kill unwanted pests in their aquarium.

This is a lot better than bringing down airplanes! :)

:beer:
-Matt
 




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