Anole Lizard.

Question
I have a single green anole in a 10 gallon tank.  What can i put in the bottom of the tank?  What types of plants are suitable to put in the tanks, and what kinds of heat bulbs are ok? I have heard that many types of common basking lights will burn or cook the anole.

Answer
Hello Daniel,
As for the bottom of the tank and the substrate the most common is coconut fiber (Eco-Earth) or organic potting soil. They hold humidity and are natural in their wild environment. Some other suitable substrates include but are not limited to, tile, lenolium flooring, newspaper, paper towels, and non adhesive shelf liner.

There are several plants that you can use in the enclosure but you want ones that are not only healthy but will thrive in the tropical environment. I like to use Draceneas in my tropical enclosures. It is non toxic, looks nice and trhives in the environment.

Other options inlude, english ivy, african violets, pothos, bromeliads, orchids (Dendrobium, Epidendurm, Haemaria, Oncidium), Rosary vine, ponytail palms, and there are a few more. Here is a link with more information:
http://www.anapsid.org/resources/plants2.html

When it comes to the heat bulbs you can use a reular light bulb as long as it puts off enough heat to maintain the temperature around 78F I have a 30 gallon for my two green anoles and use a regular 70watt house bulb and it works just fine. I have never heard of the basking light causing a burn unless its too much wattage. You just want to go with something that isn't as strong but the type doesn't play on that. So any type any brand as long as the wattage isn't too high. For a ten gallon you could probably get away with a 50w But I would shoot high rather than too low. If you test the temperature after using say a 75W and its too high then you can hang it above the tank so its maybe 4 inches away and re-test the temperatures and keep lowering and raising the light until it gets right. If you go too low of a wattage it is hard to make up the difference and you will just need to buy another bulb. Make sure the bulb is outside of the enclosure so they dont touch it and get burnt. Be sure you are providing UV lighting as well.

Good luck