I am going to be getting some green anoles soon. I have a ten gallon that I used to have my garter snake in. I have some cedar chips that I was using for my snake. Would those be ok for the anoles? I was also wondering if I could keep a gecko with the anoles. Thanx
Welcome to the rooms! I am glad you are interested in getting an anole. No, those would not be okay. Chips, bark, sand, gravel, even moss are all indigestible and can cause impaction leading to death. Organic potting soils are a better option. It not a good idea to house two different species no matter how compatible they may seem. Read these two threads: http://www.reptilerooms.com/forumtopic-48377.html http://www.reptilerooms.com/forumtopic-47163.html
Cedar is actually poisonous to reptiles. You need to sterilize the tank (with bleach) before you put another reptile in it. Also you said Anoles, a 10 gallon is really only big enough for 1. I have 3 in a 55 gallon, and they are fine but I wouldn't want to add any more.
Cedar is really poisinous? Could it have killed my garter snake? And Im getting a new ten gallon for the anoles. I need the snakes old tank for a hamster. I thought that you could keep atleast 2 in a 10 :? .
The general rule is 1 anole per 10 gallons. I find they thrive a lot more in that amount of space. As for the cedar, yes it is toxic to reptiles, so i'd remove it from anyother reptile tanks you have.
Yes cedar is poisonous to reptiles, amphibians and insects (which is why it's used for closets and hope chests). Let me relate a sad story. Last summer (before I knew about cedar) I rescued some tree frog eggs from a disappearing puddle. I kept them until they hatched and turned into frogs. Then I put a cedar limb in the tank for them to sit on. Three days later they were all dead. As stated 10 gal per Anole is the general recommendation. But if you insist on getting 2, you had better make ABSOLUTELY sure they are both females or 1 male and 1 female, 2 males in that confined space would fight constantly. BTW - you cannot rely on pet shop employees to sex Anoles.
The only problem i find with those types of substrates, are keeping up the humidity levels. If you can get the humidity levels up and constant, then that would be great. Substrates which help maintain humidity include organic potting soil, and coco fiber.
Repticarpet is not harmful but is not very beneficial. Like Luke said, they do not keep the humidity high enough and you need to constantly spray the enclosure to keep the humidity levels high enough. Another disadvantage is that they do not allow for pregnant females to lay eggs in it. Organic potting soil is a better substrate to use. The rule is 1 per 10 gallons. There should be no acceptions not even for babies.
