pointer for the tank - Can you use a laser pointer?

[danimal]

What are you using when trying to point out some new little creature? i started with a flashlight, but the beam on the one I have is not really narrow enough to be sure we are looking at the same thing.

Can you use a pen light light laser? not sure of how damaging it might be.

I would worry about the portion of the beam that is reflected off the glass.

thanx for your comments

 

[shr00m]

i would just affix a carrot on a stick and use it as a pointer. not only do you have a stylish pointer but also a carrot on a stick.

 

[danimal]

i appreciate the carrot approach, but similar vegetables have already been tried without success.....

I still would like to know if your typical pen laser pointer has any impact on the coral, plankton, etc if used to to help point out a specific feature on a particular coral

 

[shr00m]

well... i cant see it hurting anything as long as you keep it away from your fishes eyes... i dont know for certain, but i am pretty sure you wouldnt want it to get in your fishes eyes

 

[Anonymous]

Some of my fish chase the spot of light when I shine a laser pointer into the tank. Pretty funny.

 

[BRose]

I've used a Green Laser pointer several times without any noticeable harm. It's a very high power pointer purchased for use in pointing out astronomical items in the sky to groups. (Typically it'll shine well over a mile when pointed in the sky) As indicated, don't shine any laser in your fishes eye and don't shine it on one spot for an extended period. Other than that I've never found any adverse effects.
I have found that holding it on the same spot of some very light sensitive corals for over 30 seconds will cause them to act like they're in too bright of light. [which they are! ]

 

[tazdevil]

You have to remember the laser pointers are very low power. Then they have to travel thru the glass, then thru the water column, before actually reaching the subject in question. After all the diffusion/refraction from the glass and water, I can't imagine the power left in the beam (esp. if the water has lots of suspended particles in it) would be all that great. If your really concerned, just dont shine the pointer in the same spot for a long period of time.

 

[taikonaut]

Actually, in a typically aquarium, the amount of water column is too shallow as attenuation is to be concerned. Unless you have one of those 8ft by 8ft by 6 ft tank.

It probably won't be harmful, but as others mentioned, try to avoid doing it in a regular basis.