do not go with t12. they are def not energy efficient. plus the buzzing of the ballast is annoying. im an electrician so i konw these things.lol. i have a 6x2 footprint tank and it has a 4 lamp t8 fixture on it. looks great. and i would plenty of light enough to cover your tank as mine lights up the entire living room as well. haha. they are 8500k lamps. i am currenty looking for 2 blue actinic lamps to replace 2 of the white bulbs. its just a shop light but with a chrome reflecter. the actual light looks nice. GL bro.