RE: Intro/laser hype question

["Chris Longman" <clongman@microsoft.com>]

This product was discussed extensively in various forums including the
one you mentioned as well as in a couple of planted aquaria magazines.
They all came to the same conclusion: "Give me a break!"

In addition, nobody is quite sure what negative affects these laser
products may have on fish. Generally, fish determine vertical direction
by which way the light (sun) is coming in. As an experiment sometime,
dim all lights in the room where your tank is and aim a desk lamp at one
of the sides. Many fish start swimming sideways (especially angels).
Also, I KNOW that shining lasers in MY eye is bad, and I'm guessing that
tropicals haven't evolved some sort of laser defense mechanism in their
corneas. ;-)

Another product that's just snake oil I'm afraid. This hobby is full of
them. Watch out for all the new "It's just like CO2 gas!" products out
there. All bunk.

</rant>

-Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-gsas-member@thekrib.com
[mailto:owner-gsas-member@thekrib.com] On Behalf Of Charter
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2001 11:54 AM
To: gsas-member@thekrib.com
Subject: Intro/laser hype question


I'm new to the list, too!  I live in Seattle.  Hi everyone!

Parallel to my recent posting to rec.aquaria.freshwater.misc, the other
day I happened to run across some of these new LED/laser aquarium
decorations (the action diving dogs of the new millennium).  I noticed
that the box claimed that this particular accessory "improves fish
health."

The website (www.miraclebeam.com) includes an article titled "Study of
Effects of Laser on Tropical Ornamental Fish," by the China Academy of
Sciences 1998.  The study claims that exposure to "laser radiation" will
increase the incubation rate of eggs, increase the growth of fry, and
produce stronger fish with better disease resistance.  Unfortunately
(but not unexpectedly) the report is evidently in excerpt form, and
lacks any ACTUAL DATA.

Now clearly, this is a load of crap.  And quite frankly, I'm getting fed
up with all the marketing nonsense that crowds the fish aisles these
days.  I recently purchased a pair of feeder-breeder platies, and I feel
the scientific urge coming on!  

I'd hate to duplicate efforts, though.  Has anyone here done, or read an
article on, comparative research regarding the scientific claims of the
MiracleBeam system?

Thanks!

 - Erika


On Wed, 7 Nov 2001, JayJ Gurango wrote:

> Hello all :)
> 
>       I just wanted to introduce myself to the group and say Hi :)
> 
> -JayJ Gurango-
> -A.K.A. [Ketamine!]-
> 
>