Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?

[Petunia]

I'm thinking of adding live plants to my new tank, but I haven't got a fish tank light yet. I'm worried it might hurt them if I add them now. I mean, they can survive in the store without the specialized lighting, right? I've had to turn off the light on my other planted tank for a bit when I went on vacation to avoid an algae bloom. If I do get the plants now, they won't be in complete darkness - the room light and sunlight will still be there, just no direct light on the tank.

[cichlidgirl22]

It's not the best situation, but they'll likely survive. Most plants can handle low light conditions for a short period. What type of plants are you thinking of getting for your tank?

[Petunia]

It's not the best situation, but they'll likely survive. Most plants can handle low light conditions for a short period. What type of plants are you thinking of getting for your tank?

I'm open to whatever's available, really - Java ferns, anubias, or some moss would be great.

[rockyfox]

I'm thinking of adding live plants to my new tank, but I haven't got a fish tank light yet. I'm worried it might hurt them if I add them now. I mean, they can survive in the store without the specialized lighting, right? I've had to turn off the light on my other planted tank for a bit when I went on vacation to avoid an algae bloom. If I do get the plants now, they won't be in complete darkness - the room light and sunlight will still be there, just no direct light on the tank.

The Java fern and anubias should be alright for a little while without the lighting, maybe up to a week or so.

[cichlidgirl22]

If I'm being honest, I'd get the light first before bringing home the plants.

[cichlidgirl22]

I'm thinking of adding live plants to my new tank, but I haven't got a fish tank light yet. I'm worried it might hurt them if I add them now. I mean, they can survive in the store without the specialized lighting, right? I've had to turn off the light on my other planted tank for a bit when I went on vacation to avoid an algae bloom. If I do get the plants now, they won't be in complete darkness - the room light and sunlight will still be there, just no direct light on the tank.

The Java fern and anubias should be alright for a little while without the lighting, maybe up to a week or so.

Since there's no rush, getting the light first makes more sense.

[rockyfox]

It's not the best situation, but they'll likely survive. Most plants can handle low light conditions for a short period. What type of plants are you thinking of getting for your tank?

I'm with you, technically she should be okay for a bit without light.

[cichlidgirl22]

I'm thinking of adding live plants to my new tank, but I haven't got a fish tank light yet. I'm worried it might hurt them if I add them now. I mean, they can survive in the store without the specialized lighting, right? I've had to turn off the light on my other planted tank for a bit when I went on vacation to avoid an algae bloom. If I do get the plants now, they won't be in complete darkness - the room light and sunlight will still be there, just no direct light on the tank.

The Java fern and anubias should be alright for a little while without the lighting, maybe up to a week or so.

Technically speaking, it's doable.

[cichlidgirl22]

@Petunia You're putting the cart before the horse here. Why the rush to get plants before the light?

[juicebox]

Those plants you mentioned are fine without light for a short time. They're naturally low-light, low-tech plants. It'd be better if you could give them some natural sunlight from a window until you get the lighting.