carlos413

are these lights any good for a 55 gallon reef tank?
http://www.oceanicsystems.com/produc...near-strip.php

harpua2002

No, not really. Those are normal output T5's. You'll need high output T5's, power compacts, or metal halides for a reef tank. HO T5's are probably your cheapest option, and put out more light than power compacts. Metal halides will give you the most choices for corals, but are more expensive to purchase and use.

This is probably the cheapest way to go. I wouldn't get any less than 4 bulbs. I'm going to be running 6 T5's over my 50 gallon when I upgrade.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=16770
This would give you more options for corals. I have the 3 foot model, I assume you'd need the 4 foot model.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=18700

carlos413

could i get away with two of the coral life lights? hey are a little cheeper than the one you suggest.

harpua2002

Yes, but you'd be pretty limited on coral selection. It would just be like having 4 normal output flourescent bulbs. Do you have a local reef club? You could try picking up a used fixture from a member. That's what I did, and I got the 6 bulb HO T5 for $200.

BigJoe

http://www.accessdiscounts.com/sku-68001.html

try these gotta be a little creative on mounting it...

they have 4 and 8 bulb systems also