I've got the reefer itch! wanting to move the 20g to a 70g in the next few months.

Visually, kinda...yes they will increase the visual color of your corals, but they also give the corals the light that they would be receiving in the ocean at a certain depth. After 10-15ft depth, the yellow/orange/red spectrum is filtered out. At around 50ft (top of my head) all that is left is the blue/purple/"violet" spectrum. White lights provide a good growth light and the blues/violets give the coral the vibrant colors we love so much.

I am not sure on the PAR38 bulbs you are speaking on, as PAR is a measure of light. They are made in all different types of bulb. Halogen, fluorescent, LED...

IMO the DIY would be the best bang for the buck if you are willing to do the work and research to find out exactly what you want to have.

HTH

 

I bought a PAR 38 bulb off ebay that is 8 royal blue and 8 cool white, I love the color and penetration that it gives. (very bright at the bottom of 20") I would look a boost LED, one of our sponsors, and get their clamp on housing if you get one, the bulbs are super heavy. DIY LED would probably make you much happier, in the end for another 100$ you can do a much smaller unit and only one plug and have it the way you want.