Need help with choosing plants? ? ?

Byron

You're in the USA so there are several online suppliers. I'm not promoting any one over the others, as I have never used them, but solely to illustrate that such lights are available, here is a link to Fosters&Smith online site, with a dual T8 fixture made by All Glass:
Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting: All-Glass Twin-Tube Black Strip Lights
And here's another made by Perfecto:
Fluorescent Aquarium Lighting: Perfecto Fluorescent Double-Bulb Strip Lights

Last year I bought two All Glass fixtures like the first link, and I am very happy with them; they seem to be well made. The tubes that come with them are garbage and went straight to recycling, but as I think we've discussed previously, good full spectrum and cool white tubes are easy to come by for a few dollars.

The above are just fixtures; you need a glass cover over the tank to protect these from water damage. There are sets available for a 55g, the front glass either slides back or lifts back (hinged) for feeding.

If instead you want a full hood including the light, they may be available, I've never seen one for larger (4-foot) tanks. I think most use the glass cover and fixture on larger tanks. This is what I have on my 4 and 5-foot tanks.

I use the Fosters&Smith site for info purposes because I like the way they include so much technical stuff on fixtures, etc. These same products are available from several different sources, and you may find them less expensive from some.

Boredomb

Okay thanks I think I was just a little confused with the whole hooded thing I am going to order the fixture tomorrow I went and bought a glass canopy that said it was for a 55 the box said it fits tanks that are 48 x 13 which is what mine is but the stupid thing barely fits in the width being it is almost to small you barely touch the lid and it falls in the water soo I am just a little confused on that? I was wondering the whole point of the glass canopy was to keep the water off the fixture right? Soo what if I went and got some plexiglass cut to the right size that way it is a snug fit and I can use a holesaw to cut the right size hole for the heater and filter hoses.

Boredomb

Okay soo I got my light fixture, filter, substrate ( eco-complete), and API master test kit on order from Froster and Smith great shipping price from them $9 to ship all of that!!
I couldn't beat that anyway LoL Now I need to order my plants some decorations you had said that starting of with
5 Echinodorus bleherae and one Pygmy chain sword I checked out some of those from sweetaquatics
since no one where I live really sales any good aquatic plants. You had said that it was easy to start from
day one with a well planted aquarium should I add anything else to that list I know I will need some floating
plants any suggestion with those? I was looking on that same website at the driftwood. The description
for the angelfish said it liked standing branches any clue where I can get something like that at? I can get rocks
here in my town

Inga

Did you check Dr. Foster's and Smith Live Aquaria? They have great prices too and like I have said before the customer service is top notch. Something to think about. Also, the shipping prices are as you said, not bad.

Boredomb

LoL no I didn't check them out. I didn't realize they sold live plants for aquariums thanks for the info will check out the items and prices later.

Byron

There are some floating plants in our profiles, have a look at them (second tab from the left in the blue bar at the top). Stem plants often make good floating plants; Brazilian Pennywort is ideal for this, it is in our profiles too. B.

Byron

The glass cover units fit down inside the frame and should sit on the lip that runs around the tank. By "width" do you mean front to back--or the 4-foot length? There are several makes of glass covers, check those websites. You need something between the water and the light fixture. You can make your own, it is nice to have the front part hinged or sliding so it easily opens for feeding, otherwise you would be lifting off the light and cover each time.

Boredomb

Yeah it it barely fits front to back and for that matter side to side its just to small all the way around. It just not safe with the cats and children I have around. I think I am going to go get some plexiglass cut Like I said and I will put in a hinged door soo I can open it for feeding or what not. That way I know it won't fall or have any issue with it. Thanks for all the help Bryon!!! I really appreciate all the advice you have given me so far!!!