How to Clean Anole Tanks

How to Clean Anole Tanks. The anole is a small lizard that is native to the sub-tropical United States. It is one of the most popular pet lizard species available, and requires a cage made of either glass or plastic that mimics its natural environment in order to thrive in captivity. The choice of cleaning solution and methods is important to ensure no toxic fumes or residues remain and kill your anole.

Things Needed

• Veterinary-grade sanitizer
• Paper towels
• Baking sheets
• Oven

Step 1

Remove all of the cage decorations and substrate from your anole cage.

Step 2

Spray the cage and decorations with a veterinary-grade sanitizer such as bleach, dish soap or chlorhexadine. Dilute bleach and chlorhexadine one part sanitizer to one part water. Repeatedly rinse off bleach until no smell remains; chlorhexadine can be left to dry on its own and is safe for anoles.

Step 3

Wipe the cage with paper towels and remove any sanitizer residue from the cage decorations.

Step 4

Clean cage decorations such as branches that can't be cleaned easily using liquids by placing them on a baking sheet in the oven for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees to kill any germs.

Step 5

Place clean substrate and the decorations into the cage.

Warnings

• If it is not overly soiled or smelly, you can save the substrate to put back later if it is a substrate such as shavings or bark.

References

• Drs. Foster and Smith: Terrariums, How to Clean
• Aqualand Pets Plus: Green Anole Factoids
• Grizzly Run: Anole Pet Care Guide