Finding affordable plants for low-light spaces

[mohazi]

Im looking for plants that can thrive in low light conditions and wont break the bank, and they need to be compatible with sand substrate.

I've got about 8 Anubius Nana, and I'm planning to split them between my current 5g frog tank and a new 10g setup. Thing is, both tanks need more plants, but I'm on a tight budget and dont have a lot of time to spare. I often forget to turn on the tank lights, so the plants are basically relying on indirect room light. Both tanks have sand, and I've had to use small stones to keep the Anubias in place.

[coltin]

A timer would be a good investment, it's pretty cheap and will let you set the lights to turn on and off automatically, so you don't have to worry about forgetting.

Water Sprite is a nice low-maintenance option that can float or be planted in the gravel, it's worth considering.

Java fern and Java Moss are also good choices, they can tolerate low light and can be tied to driftwood or rocks, which would work well in your setup.

If you can get the lights on a regular schedule, Ambulia and Hygrophila polysperma do well with low light for longer periods. A longer photoperiod would also open up more plant options for you.

[mohazi]

It feels like I'm the only regular here, lol

[coltin]

Sometimes, I swear I'm the only one awake around here. Most forum users are from the UK, and let's face it, they're probably tucked away in bed at this hour. Meanwhile, I'm down under, burning the midnight oil, waiting for someone, anyone, to spark a conversation.

[mohazi]

I've had my anubius in sand for years, never had a problem - just super slow growth.

[mohazi]

Yeah, seems that way sometimes. Most users here are from the UK and surrounding countries, and they're usually asleep at this hour. Down here in Australia, I'm wide awake, waiting for someone to post a question.

[Asteron]

Anubias are pretty versatile, they can thrive in a fully submerged environment or in a marshy setup. They're not exactly speed demons when it comes to growth, but they're tough as nails and super easy to care for, which is why they're a great choice for beginners. Plus, they're a breeze to propagate, making them a simple way to add some greenery to your tank.

[mohazi]

I'll probably just grab some floating plants, whatever they have at the store, and maybe some Java fern if they're not too pricey, since I already have the anubias covered.

[fineman]

too funny... and I thought you were getting paid to be on call for us... but seriously, thanks for being so knowledgeable about fish keeping, I guess being from down under has its perks when it comes to being available to answer our questions.

[goldminer]

I've got a bunch of Anubias and Crypts that do well in low light conditions.