I am a first time reptile owner and have just purchased two anoles. I did a lot of research and set up their 20 gallon LONG tank with a UV light, basking lamp, tree limbs , plastic plants, water dish, and temp/humidity gauge.

The problem is they (one male and one female - fairly young I think) are brown all day long. I have had them about 1 week now and they were green at the pet store. They do turn a little green at night when they are sleeping.

They seem to get along, no fanning or bobbing going on after the first day.

I mist them daily several times. They are eating small crickets (not sure how often or how many to feed, but it seems they want to eat every day - any help here???)

Temp is around 80-85 degrees plus 95-100 degrees in the basking spot. I have the light on for approx 12 hours a day.

I really want them to be happy and green .....any advice would be great!!!! Are they just stressed from the move.

I really want to change them to a 20 gallon TALL tank, but feel this might just stress them out more.

Thanks,

Cheri

Welcome to HC! Glad you joined.

If you have the other tank to switch them over to, do it now so that they can get adjusted all at once instead of getting used to their tank now then getting switched over to a completely new one.

They probably are still stressed from the move. If you're going to keep them in the 20 long, it'll take about a week or two for them to settle in. All herps adjust at their own pace.

Another thing, do they have alot of plants and stuff to hide in? It helps them feel secure.

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yes i am a she ^_^

~My Babies~

1 Rosy Boa (male) Chaos
1 Snow Corn (male) Blizzard
1 Anertherystic Corn (male) Bullet
1 Senegal Parrot (male) Shadow
2 dogs (male) Spot and Bear

welcome! in addition to what DM mentioned, is the light you have just a uv light or is it uvb?

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Yes they have tons of plants to hide in and climbing branches too. It is a UVA/UVB bulb reptiglow 5.0.

What about feeding? Could I be over feeding them?

Thanks so much!

Well, it has been 10 days and my anoles are still brown. They are eating fine and I added a real plant today. I think my problem may be humidity (it quickly ends up back at 30%). I am having trouble keeping the tank humid. I live in Colorado and it is very dry here. Even misting only brings it up for a short period of time.

My substrate is reptile carpet.....as many people recommended this for ease of cleaning and the fact that the crickets can't hide as well. But now I'm wondering if I should change to something that can hold more moisture.

I never thought this would be so hard and I would be so upset about my lizards being brown. Help!!!!! I can't sleep!!!!

Thanks,
Cheri

All the anoles pictures look so green and happy.......also, I cannot find the anole care sheet under the care sheet section...

If you want to change substrate, go for eco earth. It comes in a compressed brick, add water and it should fill up the bottom of your tank. Pack it down so your anoles don't get covered in bits. What it is, is shredded coconut husk. Petsmart/petco carry it.

I put it on the bottom of my frogs tanks and with a daily mist, my humidity stays around 65%.

Also, if you have a screen top, the humidity is going right through the roof so to speak. Cover half up with plastic.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Thanks Liz...I will get some eco earth today.....How often should I change it???

I would spot clean the poop out whenever you see it, and then just guess by smell when it should be changed. I change out my frogs tanks once every few months, but I have lots of live plants to help out.

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

OK, so now I have put plastic on top of 75% of the mesh covering and it has worked beautifully.....the humidity is around 55-60% for 1/2 a day with only one misting....

So, all I can do now is see if they will turn green after more time adjusting to their new home. I'm really hoping that is all it is.

Thanks for the advice and if anyone else has any input, please....please....bring it on.

I'm going to try to attach some pictures, although not sure if I can figure it out or not...

Thanks
Cheri

here are the photos..

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