I can't pick a light, par38 or dual 18w pc?

[Disher]

I'll be building a 5.5 AIO very shortly and I can't decide on the light. I'm looking for the best light that would give me the most options as far as what corals to keep.

The dual satellite is pretty attractive!

http://www.aquacave.com/12-2x18w-satellite-pc-fixturebr-by-current-usa-902.html

But so is the par38 bulb!

http://www.aquacave.com/12-2x18w-satellite-pc-fixturebr-by-current-usa-902.html

Decisions, decisions... I'd love to get some input from everyone. Thanks!

[Teeb]

I'd definitely go with LED. For that size tank, check out the new panorma modules from Ecoxotic, they've given them a decent bump in power and more can be added in addition to stunner strips to get the look and power that you need.

[FireWater]

You can't go wrong with LED. What kind of budget you trying to stay at?
NanoCustoms is selling a pretty sweet fixture marketed at the fluval edge.
A Par 38 on a nice lamp fixture would be cool.
Then there is the AI Sol nano.
On a 5.5 gallon you could also get away with a Par30 such as one from Boost LED.

[justahobby]

I would go w/ the boost. Great price and will be good lighting for your size tank. I wouldn't even recommend PC for a fowlr.

[FireWater]

Just found these as well. There is too many choices out there for led PAR30/38 bulbs to make it fair anymore.

http://orphek.com/wordpress/orphek-pr-3-led-mr-16-bulb-for-nano-and-pico-aquariums/

And these

http://orphek.com/wordpress/pr-25-pendant-now-available/

[Disher]

Thanks everyone. My budget for a light is around 100 bucks. The par30 from boost LED seems to be a great buy. I'm looking at 3 Royal Blue, 2 Cool White, 40 Degree optics. How high off the tank would you recommend the light being off the tank?

[mikeb1409]

on the site here they show them mounted only about 6" or so off the water http://www.boostled.com/products/par30-reef-lamps look at the pics at the bottom.

getting pretty serious about this tank KD?

what are you planning on putting in there?

[Disher]

Yeah, you're probably right! This is my first legitimate build so I want to do things right! I should probably upgrade my AP light first lolI'd like to keep a majority of softies/LPS with a few SPS thrown in there. We will see! On Monday I'm having a plastics shop cut a black piece of acrylic for the back compartment. Then it's all downhill from there.