I chose the T8 over the T3 because it is bigger and cheaper. With the T8 you can get a divider and house 2 BP's or use the full thing for 1 snake.
I like full spectrum lights, I use zoo-med naturesun bulbs (formally reptisun 2.0) but they certainly aren't necessary. I've been running an experiment on lighting, and honestly the BP in total darkness 24/7 is doing the best.