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Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 2:24 pm
by 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.
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 5:03 pm
by 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?
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 8:07 pm
by Petunia
cichlidgirl22 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 5:03 pm
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.
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2023 10:49 pm
by rockyfox
Petunia wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 2:24 pm
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.
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 12:36 am
by cichlidgirl22
If I'm being honest, I'd get the light first before bringing home the plants.
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 2:15 am
by cichlidgirl22
rockyfox wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 10:49 pm
Petunia wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 2:24 pm
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.
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 4:03 am
by rockyfox
cichlidgirl22 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 5:03 pm
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.
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 4:03 am
by cichlidgirl22
rockyfox wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 10:49 pm
Petunia wrote: ↑Tue Apr 25, 2023 2:24 pm
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.
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 4:20 am
by cichlidgirl22
@Petunia You're putting the cart before the horse here. Why the rush to get plants before the light?
Re: Can aquatic plants thrive in low-light conditions?
Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2023 6:12 am
by 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.