Updating Lighting 55 Gallon 47.5 X12 X19 ?

So i want to update my lighting I have a longer rectangle 5 gallon with two light on each side with covers. will attach picture.my question is what is a nice looking upgrade. I see some sit on top and leave the water uncovered. Is that good for it to be uncovered? I thought I read that covering tanks is better. ?? I may switch to sand from gravel and could in future want to have a live plant or two . so I should keep that in mind as well.  SO I was wondering what others have and even a picture or two .. Thanks 

Covered or uncovered tank are personal preferences IMO although it does depend on what stocking you have in your tank.
 
Some fish are notorious jumpers so uncovered tank with stocking of marbled hatchetfish for example would not be the best idea.
 
Switching from sand to gravel would depend if you are planning on keeping cories as these do best on sand substrate.
 
Stem plants in general do not care what substrate you plant them in with some exceptions of course.
 
there are lots of lights available for either covered or uncovered tanks, just basically depends on your budget and what kind of look you'd like, there are lights that can attach to ceilings and suspend just above tank, or lights that that can be attached to sides of tank  etc etc
 
Also do you want LED's, T5 or T8.
 
A bit of research goes a long way and once you have chosen a look that you like then ask again on this thread then take it from there. There are a few people on this forum that are very knowledgeable about lights so hopefully they can answer a few things for you.
 
Hope thats a bit of help

will go with covered being I have a cat and she seems to like the fish .  So that one s answered for me. I am looking for a nice clear bright  white kinda of looking tank. I have low vision so I need that lighting to enjoy the fish. so depending on LED or the   T lights which ever one give me that look.   I am not sure what I want to restock tank  in this time. I just like the clean look of sand. But did not know how easy the upkeep and cleaning of it was. I have read a bit about sand and seems to be not that much trouble to keep clean. Thanks for you info and reply