Nope, the ones at the back are 4 x 4' retro kits. These units are quite a bit nicer. At 8', you would probably be fine with a 6' unit. You'd have 12" of dark space on the sides, but trust me, it wouldn't be any worse than having 8' of PC lighting.
As far as the width goes, it really depends on how much of the tank you really need to light. If you're concentrating the coral in the back or middle, this light will be plenty bright. If you're trying to light... Oh, I dunno, you're entire living room, it might take two of these things.
The other alternative is MH lighting on LumenMax reflectors or something similar.
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This and that.
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