Lots of Questions...

Hey all, I've got a 125 gallon tank that I'm wanting to potentially turn into an anole viv. I have a few questions though. How many anoles can comfortably live in a tank that size? I am aware that the males are territorial, but is this space adequate for two males? What types of plants are safe to plant in the vivarium? Does anyone have any problems with mold due to the humidity? Can I only put UVB lamps over one area of the viv or should their be multiple basking areas? Should the heat lamp go right across the entire top of the viv or can I keep it to one area? Can the UVB and the heat basking area be in the same place in order to sorta kill two birds with one stone? What are some alternative feeders to crickets... those rotten little bugs really smell. And anything else that anyone may want to add would be appreciated, thanks

That's a whole lot of questions. I'll try to answer what I can.

Here is a good link for plants Edible and Harmful Plants

If you have good airflow (like if your top is part mesh) then mold shouldn't be a problem.

I would put at least two basking areas, this way there isn't so much competition.

Try to keep one side of the tank warmer than the other. So put your heating at one end, so you can have a cool side and a warm side. Yes, your UVB and your basking area can be the same. In fact, if you get a mercury vapor bulb or two, they put out heat and great UVB (better than any tube light).

As for feeding and anoles per tank, someone will chime in.

10 Gallons per anole seems to work well, Going by that you should be able to get 12-13 Anoles comfortably.

Though some people might put more in there.

If you have a 125 gallon tank have you thought about Any other types of anoles, You could probaly get a Cuban Knight Anole in a tank that size.

AS for male female ratio, it's usually a bad idea to mix males at all, I'd suggest one male and the rest females personally. Though you may be able to provide enough females to limit competition between the males.

And feeding, Anoles (in my experience) will eat just about anything small enough that moves, i've seen them eat mealworms, waxworms, crickets, a rosy red minnow, small roaches, All sorts of things.
I'm sure there is some type of roach out there you could breed yourself they would feed on.

Thanks for all of the great answers guys.
I just googled cuban knight anoles and they look pretty big! I was hoping to stick with a smaller species. I'm not very familiar with any of the anole species other than the little green anoles that I've seen in petstores. 12-13 sounds like a good number as well. I know that they like to hide, but I would assume that with that many in there I should be atleast able to spot one lol. I am definately open to researching other species of anole, I just don't know of any... any suggestions?

Anoles are considered difficult to keep and usually have a high death rate. They are pretty picky about their environment and habitat.

I would consider them "For advanced keepers" only.

Yes, the more I'm reading the more I'm finding that anoles may be too much for me being a beginner and all. Are there any other smallish lizards that you guys could recommend for me to research? I've been looking at a lot of things like geckos. I'm wanting something that would do well is a habitat similar to that which an anole requires, I would like to be able to use the organic potting soil as a substrate, and have a humidity of about 50% so I can keep some live plants in the enclosure in order to make it appear nice even if you can't see the inhabitants. This tank is 6 feet wide, so its definately going to be noticed lol.

Check Crested Geckos out... Reptile Forums - The HC Network - Crested Gecko Caresheet (Rhacodactylus ciliatus)

Originally Posted by fire2225ems

Check Crested Geckos out... Reptile Forums - The HC Network - Crested Gecko Caresheet (Rhacodactylus ciliatus)

I agree! I think they are perfect for what you are looking for.

Yup! I like them for sure! I also found tokay geckos. Are they hard to care for? I heard they've got quite the nasty bite... I'm debating between these two species now.

Tokays are much more aggressive and do not tolerate handling very well.

They tend to be mean and VERY bitey.

I say go with the gentle Cresteds.