T12 and CFL have similar colors and results. T5 is the new thin-tube florescent and they have multi-colored layers, offing improved results.Hey everyone. i was just wondering if this aquarium/plant light is better then my cfl. their both 15 watt, 18" fluorescent tubes. I had the aquarium/plant light when i started but i switched to the cfl when my plants just started on their 2nd pair of leaves.