[Doug1]

One part of the question had to do with how much live rock should be used in a 55g. What is the ratio of lb's to gallons?

I would say 30-60 lbs, depending on how big the pieces are and how you want to aquascape. Tall narrow tanks like a typical 55 are harder to gt a nice structure in without sacrificing swim room.
Also consider the types of fish you want to keep, big active ones may knock the rock over, try for lots of caves and hidy hole structures for most fish.
I would get a large skimmer as well personally