55 gallon new fish tank

you could try here. It's talking about a much smaller tank, but the principals are the same. Also search in the newbie forum. THeres a lot of good information here! you'll want to read about the fishless cycle here as well as some of the water chemistry threads.

Also, I don't want to start any agruments, but I've been told to keep away from undergravel filters. search for it on here, or type "undergravel filter contraversy"(sp?) into google.

Yeah, I agree, an UGF is a pain in the bum. I use an external cannister filter. They are a little more expensive but worth the money. I use a Serafil 1100. Its about 1000 litres and hour. I would stay away from products like cycle as well. The best way to cycle your tank is time. Go to the Noob forum and have a look there.