HID Lights blinding Fish?

[Kim]

I thought there was also another issue with lights - illuminating fish can make them prey to other fish. It seems that no matter what we do we can cause problems just like Alvin. I doubt that there is an easy answer.

 

[archman]

I thought there was also another issue with lights - illuminating fish can make them prey to other fish.

Ha ha, I've seen a video from the Flower Garden banks where this happened. Diver shined bright light on reef fish, stunning it.

2. Moray eel catches stunned fish
3. Other fishes see event, come flocking in
4. Eel twirls around with fish in mouth, trying to swallow it.
5. Other fishes pester eel, trying to bite off pieces
6. Eel runs into reef with fish, leaving cloud of scales in wake.

Man, that water was messy-looking!

 

[OE2X]

On our night dives we have harbor seals that like to hang out with those of us using HID's. They feed on the fish that the lights stun. I've noticed when using a backup light the seals don't hang around at all.

I'm with Pug and Archman. These lights fry the eyes. I copied the Q40 idea from Pug and now use it on my light. Now when a buddy sees me using it, it's an automatic heads up to come over and look at what I found.

 

[UWSojourner]

On our night dives we have harbor seals that like to hang out with those of us using HID's. They feed on the fish that the lights stun. I've noticed when using a backup light the seals don't hang around at all.

I'm with Pug and Archman. These lights fry the eyes. I copied the Q40 idea from Pug and now use it on my light. Now when a buddy sees me using it, it's an automatic heads up to come over and look at what I found.

Any chance of getting a picture of your, or UP's, light setup?

 

[archman]

Any chance of getting a picture of your, or UP's, light setup?

Yeah ditto, I don't understand this Q40 "zip tied" thing.

I have a HID UK Light Cannon myself. It comes with these lens inserts that diffuse the light beam quite a bit. I keep those babies installed... even so the light is still pretty freaking bright!

 

[jagfish]

Any chance of getting a picture of your, or UP's, light setup?

Yeah, UP...

Let"s see that slick setup with the Q40...

JAG

 

[OE2X]

Here is picture of Pugs Q40 zip tied off on his Goodman handle.
Hope this helps.

 

[archman]

Oh my, that's quite a bit of effort to save critter eyes! I'm ashamed to admit I wouldn't go to this much trouble... I just direct the bright beam off to the side. Probably blinding something else when I do that...

 

[OE2X]

Oh my, that's quite a bit of effort to save critter eyes! I'm ashamed to admit I wouldn't go to this much trouble... I just direct the bright beam off to the side. Probably blinding something else when I do that...

What UP and I do (mind you, I learned this technique from Pug) is to put your right hand over your HID light - shielding it. A quick twist with your left hand on the Q40 then voila - no more tears. And your buddy also doesn't get his/her retinas scortched. Once done, quick twist off on the Q40 and the HID goes back on the left hand. No hassle at all. I primarily use this method when looking at small critters in their den. Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf Eels etc... Anything that can't easily turn away. Today we had a beautiful GPO swim right underneath us about 1' away. Even with the Q40 I did my best not shine it in its eyes.

 

[UWSojourner]

What UP and I do (mind you, I learned this technique from Pug) is to put your right hand over your HID light - shielding it. A quick twist with your left hand on the Q40 then voila - no more tears. And your buddy also doesn't get his/her retinas scortched. Once done, quick twist off on the Q40 and the HID goes back on the left hand. No hassle at all. I primarily use this method when looking at small critters in their den. Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf Eels etc... Anything that can't easily turn away. Today we had a beautiful GPO swim right underneath us about 1' away. Even with the Q40 I did my best not shine it in its eyes.

Thanks for the picture. I think, when I get one of those fancy HIDs, I would go that extra mile too.