Dude, get a dual 48" workshop light fixture from lowes for $9.00. I have two of those on my 45long (same footprint as your 55g) giving me four 48" bulbs. They're only T12 bulbs but as you can see, it more than gets the job done. Hit me up anytime and I'll give you some advice because I did this entire aquarium (minus the cost for my discus fish) for about 250, and that's including the cost of the aquarium, filter, powerhead, substrate, lighting, fertilizers, and Co2 injection. If there's one thing I know, it's how to be a cheapass The filter I have on there is basically for shits and giggles anyway, because having plants and the right cleanup crew (snails, shrimp, corydoras) eliminates the need for having a filter at all really. The tank's plants basically make the tank become it's own ecosystem.

I have so many plants i'm just throwing them away every two weeks because I don't have anyone to give them to.

Quote Originally Posted by dc2teg2006
afwfjustin

i might hit you up for some plants, cuz I much rather have real plants in my tanks then this fake stuff!!! lol, but I need to light up my aquarium first!!

Also anyone have some fresh water fish for sale for the low? I'm cheap too!!