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They add a surprising amount of light to a room. In a large room like you describe you might consider adding two or locating them so they wash an accent wall with light to brighten it up. We have a 24" diameter light tube in our 14'x25' family room and it is quite bright when the sun is shining. I don't have any devices to measure foot candles, but its easily brighter then a 60 watt spot light.
The 12" light tube in the hallway and one in the bathroom (both interior rooms) put out enough light to read by without turning on a light.