Lighting Question- Legs?

[sj022698]

I am looking at 2 different 48" fixtures. One is a "sit on" which goes directly on top and the other has "legs" and is elevated?

I have a freshwater tank (55gallons)

Can I use either of these with the same amount of effectiveness? Can I use the one with legs and have it still work well?

 

[kev_kb]

Technically they will moe effective the closer to the water surface they are, in practice I'm not sure if it makes that much difference, I guess it depends which plants you want to keep.

 

[Wanda hornsey]

and if you have cats or small children who might fish in your tank or knock the lights I would go for a lid and lights