Strobe compatibility dilemma

I have been using a SeaLife DC800 the last couple years w/o a strobe and am looking to upgrade. I recently bought a NIkon D5000 SLR and am contemplating getting the Ikelite housing and a strobe. At this point I can't decide for sure if i want to do this so i am looking to get a strobe that i can use with the SeaLife to start working with a strobe. I also want it to be able to work with my Nikon if i upgrade. I am looking at the entry level Ikelite DS51 Strobe. It looks like it would work for both cameras/housings. The SeaLife has a flash adapter and the Nikon housing has a TTL connection. I like the price point, but I would like to know if anyone has any experience with this strobe and it's power. It's spec'd at 50W with a range of 2-8ft. I read one reviewer that said it's more like 2-4ft. Bottom line, i'm looking for the best bang for the buck in terms of power and one that will work with both my SeaLife and Nikon Ikelite housing. I would also consider another strobe brand and even second hand if i can get a better strobe for a good price. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I love the ds 51. I've got a couple. They work flawlessly. So simple to work with.

The range depends entirely on the clarity of the water, and the ISO. I like keeping p&s digicams at iso 100, and in fairly clear, but not perfect water, it covers 3-4 feet during the day, and more at night. The range is really not that much a function of the strobe, nearly as much as the effects on light, in water.

After 4-6 feet, at night, shooting manta rays, the light gets blue. As it will no matter how powerful your strobe. Some strobes have a warmer color temperature, including the larger ike strobes. These are better for another foot or so, before turning blue...