newby live rock question and lighting question

ok so, im probably making a total fool out of myself on this fourm lol. but i was just wondering do i have to acclimate my LR? i know i have to dip them, but since its 'live rock' im unsure lol. its such a silly question but i just wanted to make sure..
also on another note, is a T8 lighting okay for some soft corals? thats really all my LFS has. unsure if they have T5's though.. unless T8 is better than a T5? since it is higher number??