Current Usa Satellite Plus Pro Led Light

I'm considering upgrading my current lighting and purchasing the 36"-48" Current USA Satellite Plus Pro LED Light for my 45 gal. planted freshwater aquarium. My dimensions are 37" length, 13" width, and the tank depth is 24". The top inside measurement is is 35 1/4 length and their bar is 34.8", so it should fit, length-wise. I'm also considering replacing the Aqueon plastic hood with one of glass.
I presently have some Sword plants, an Anubia, other similar plants (unknown names) and River Buttercups.
I'm looking for feedback from anyone familiar with this unit and company and any other comments or recommendations for my setup. Thanks!

 

I have the LED+ Pro. I've had a Finnex 24/7 SE, and a Beamswork DA FSPEC, all 24" versions used on a 20 gallon tall, 16" height.

The Current is the best of the ones I've owned. There's a new Fluval plant LED that has more features but a few par less power than the old 2.0 version was just as powerful as a LED+ Pro.

24" is quite a lot more than 16" so I don't know how much power you'll have at the substrate. I can't seem to find the par chart, but there was one on PlantedTank. Think you're looking at medium lighting on your tank, at least for carpet plants.

 

Thanks. I got a similar written response from Current USA, that with my 24" depth, it would be good for plants that require low to medium light. I also looked into the Finnex Planted + 24/7 CC.
I was turned off by the rigid time programming, 3 hour time blocks and overall programming issues I've read. Do you think I'm better off with glass hood sections with it?

 

Thanks. I got a similar written response from Current USA, that with my 24" depth, it would be good for plants that require low to medium light. I also looked into the Finnex Planted + 24/7 CC.
I was turned off by the rigid time programming, 3 hour time blocks and overall programming issues I've read. Do you think I'm better off with glass hood sections with it?

Yeah having had the SE, I know the power output is not sufficient in the CC as they haven't change it's power level, just the features around it. I even got rid of it cuz it's too weak even at 16" height (s repens doesn't lie... lanky at max power for 12hrs).

To be honest, in your position, I'd get a 4 or 6 bulb T5HO fixture and populate it with 2 bulbs. Because I wouldn't want that hard ceiling holding me back and if need more power then just populate more bulbs into it. LED really hits it's limit and can't compete $ for $ against oldschool tech for really deep tanks.

I kinda have to laugh, some members on this forum though a P+24/7 was a lot of power for a 20 gallon tall.

 

Thanks - hadn't even thought of that. I'll look into that option. Of course that wouldn't have the programming bells and whistles.
BTW - On the Current USA Sat. Plus Pro, the Lumins is 1500 and the pars are 100+ at a 12" depth. I'm assuming the T5HO would surpass that? Also, would that give off more heat?

 

It would depend on how many bulbs you use and which bulbs and the quality of the reflector.
PAR vs Distance, T5, T12, PC - New Chart - The Planted Tank Forum

I think that first chart is without water so you know. The 2nd chart is more useful to you.

 

Yeah, chart shows that even with just 2 bulbs, you get medium level light, deep. Can you make any specific recommendations for a t5ho fixture? And bulbs - if just 2 for now. A moon (blue) tube - would that be a third bulb (tube)?
Seems hard to find 4 bulb t5ho fixtures, except a reef configuration.

 

I can't give any advice further, as I have not used any so far. You'll have to look around for advice.

That fixture looks nice, but it's discontinued.

 

Hey, thanks for the helpful advise!

 

Thinking about it, it's probably safer to hang the light a bit higher over the tank to avoid water damage, but that's cuz I've been just looking at generic, potentially non-aquarium T5HO fixtures like