Help with lighting

Tek makes great T5s. Do not order from LFS....order your lights from the internet. Your not going to be able to fit 8 bulbs over a 55. That would be 19" wide and your 55 is only 13" wide. I would recommend a tek 4 bulb. That should be sufficient for a 55g. Google the lights for reviews, that should tell you if they are worth it. Just make sure the fixture has individually contoured reflecters for each bulb. That is very important. If you are thinking about a canopy, we can help you out with picking out some retrofit bulbs. Let us know.

Cheap:
Nova Extreme SLR T-5 Fixtures 48" x 8" Saltwater; 216 watt $198
Aquarium Lighting for Freshwater and Reef Systems: Nova Extreme Compact SLR T-5 Fixtures

Higher End:
TEK LIGHT T-5, 48" Light Fixture 4 x 54W lamps by Sunlight Supply $281
TEK LIGHT T-5, 48" Light Fixture 4 x 54W lamps by Sunlight Supply* - AquaCave

 

Hey Matteuw1... Thanks for the anti LFS sentiment...
Tek has MAP pricing so most likely a LFS CAN beat the price if they so choose... I have busted many an online gig for selling under MAP, ask Chris he will testify!
The only way an online gig can beat a LFS is if they throw in free lamps, and in that case there is nothing Sam nor Chris can do... As long as its sold MAP they can offer whatever freebies they want.
You COULD get a Tek 6 lamp, the fixture will overhang but the SLRs will cover the tank in its entirety. I would agree with Matt though in the fact that the 4 lamp will cut it. A five lamp will be better but that way you would have to go with a TX5, and that is quite abit more.
If you go with the Current, I would swap their cheapo lamps out as soon as you can afford to, but that is me. Go with Giesemann or ATI, or if you feel like following the crowd go with UVL, they DO have a nice Actinic...

 

Hey nothing against ALL fish stores, just the ones that don't provide reliable, factual info.