Par38 tank design ?

[Orm Embar]

I'm debating setting up a nano tank with a single Par38 bulb for soft corals (and maybe some LPS) to get my feet wet again in reefkeeping. I've had a 20g high soft coral reef, and then a 58 gallon reef ready tank with halides and a build in overflow and sump, so I have some experience over the past decade or so.

I don't want to set up anything large or involved (I plan on moving in the next 6 months or so), but I'm toying with the idea of getting a small tank, adding a little live rock and some sand, a fish (or two), and seeing what happens. Maybe adding a few mushrooms or hardy soft corals. Later on, I'd simply reuse the same tank as a quarantine tank.

My understanding is that a Par38 bulb has enough intensity and an appropriate enough spectrum to maintain corals, so I'm wondering if anyone currently uses (or has recommendations) for a tank that can be sufficiently lit by a single Par38 bulb (I have heard RapidLED makes a good product)? I'm very unfamiliar with Par38 bulbs, including spread angle (60 degrees to whatever).

Thanks in advance?

 

[COMEKS5150]

if you get one with 80 degree optics i think youll be fine on most tanks up to 10 gallons. i like the color of the rapid led one, i also like that it has 7 leds. i currently use 4 of the ecoxotic par38s over my tank although i have a sps dominant reef. 80 degree optics will give you the most spread throughout the tank.

 

[GOSKN5]

i think a wide variety of tanks would be appropriate... just depends on aquascape,and how the bulbs are hanging etc...

i have a 30 cube with two and it looks great.. i have seen larger tanks.. I would say pick a size you like and that you can afford the bulbs for and go for it