Budget-friendly lighting options for a 55-gallon aquarium

[coltin]

I'm on a tight budget for a new light for my 55, so I'm looking for some affordable options. I've narrowed it down to the Finnex Stingray 2 48" or the Koval 45"-50". Any thoughts on these two or are there other lights I should consider?

Java Fern and Crypts handle low light just fine, but they're also happy in medium light conditions. No issues there.

As for Jungle Vallis, I've gotta say, it's not the best choice for aquariums. Narrow Vallis or twisted Vallis do way better in tropical setups and don't need those high pH and GH levels that Jungle Vallis requires.

Pearlweed, I'm not familiar with that one, gotta look it up.

[Taverna]

Newer fluorescent fixtures now have electronic starters, or ballasts, which don't need replacement. These starters work fine with LED tubes, no issues at all. I've actually switched all mine to LED tubes, and the electronic starters are a big improvement over the old ballast starters.