If t-12s are all you can do at this time , then go for it.They'll grow and flower the plant , and hold down electric bills ,but they seriously lack the lumens needed for maximum growth.If this is your first grow , then by all means ,just use those for a learning experience.LEDs are a new technology that has very little middle ground opinionwise it seems.Grow your first under T-12s ,then , if you feel like stepping up to the next level , then try HIDs.Small steps often lead to larger strides .