Metal Halide lights?

water quality is important.. I see it as more a Web where if any one parameter, temp, lights, is out it wiggles and brings instability to the whole thing... any one item can cause instability. If all areas are shaky and not there you won't have stability, BUT if all but 1 items are perfect, you probably have a little more grace in one area (such as lighting) So lack of light will lower your tanks tolerance for mistakes or swings in other areas.

For starter sumps, Rubbermaid containers work, or smaller tanks.. old ugly scratched tanks are good starting sumps (better if longer and shorter) the stock bins are amazing, but most people don't have room for one in their setup if it is in a living area. 20 gallons would be a good starting size for a 55- what ever you do, make sure you can get to it to service it.

T5s can work wonders.. they do have a pricey bulb replacement over the long haul... i see the costs after several years as being comparable to MH.

 

YES!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxnugJGiT3o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgNe_OYgoL8&feature=related

 

if you get near DSM let me know!

 

Is your 55 up and running? If not it will make a great sump for a 40 breeder!