How to Set Up Tanks for Green Anoles

Green anoles are lizards that are native to the United States. They grow to between 5 and 8 inches in length, and are capable of changing color, from green to brown. They are delicate lizards and can't take much handling. Their care is straightforward, but before you bring an anole to your home, prepare its environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Tall 10-gallon tank with mesh lid
  • Recycled-paper bedding
  • Two temperature gauges
  • Full-spectrum fluorescent light
  • Branches and logs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place 1 inch of recycled-paper bedding in a tall 10-gallon tank with a mesh lid. Absorbent bedding is easy to clean and gives the anole a chance to burrow.

    • 2

      Attach two temperature gauges to the tank, one at either end. One end of the tank will be the cool end and the other the warm end.

    • 3

      Place a full-spectrum fluorescent light near the tank. Keep the full-spectrum light on between 12 and 14 hours a day. This is close to natural light and it helps your anole to metabolize calcium.

    • 4

      Shine an incandescent light on one end of the tank. This creates a basking spot where the anole can sun itself. This end of the tank should be kept at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 5

      Place a heating pad underneath the cool end of the tank. This allows you to keep the cool end of the tank between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 6

      Place branches and logs in the tank. Green anoles are aboreal lizards and they need a place to climb and hide.