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I just picked up some plants at my LFS the other day. I got Java Fern, Hornwort, and Anacharis. I knew that I had a bad light fixture, but it turns out I'm barely getting over .5 WPG. My question is, will this be enough light for these plants? I know that they can do well in low light, but I have extremely low light. I have some of the Hornwort just floating around at the top of the tank so it shouldn't have much problem getting light since it's right next to the bulb, but I wasn't sure about the stuff that is planted in the substrate. I can't really do anything about it, but I just wanted to know whether or not I'll have to upgrade my lights just to keep low-light plants.

I dont think the anacharis will make it. The hornwort might make it though. As for the java fern, it will thrive in any light. Just make sure to attatch it to a piece of wood or rock. It will not grow if it is burried in gravel. It will rot away.

Well, actually, it might be ok. The waterweed is a low-light plant, and may just grow more slowly in the very low light. Since it's a fast grower anyway, this could work out just fine.

Just keep up on the nutrients and hedge your bets. (Apologies for the plant pun.)

I vote! Do you?

Thank you for the quick replies. And yes, I do have it attached to some driftwood. I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

There is of course the nasty possibility that you will have a brown algae problem in low light tanks, happened to me and only increase of lighting intensity solved the problem.