I am new and have never posted.

I have had small (10-30 gal) aquariums for 40 years, Often plushly planted. I have also had every manner of eastern U.S. snake or lizard but would release them after several days so never "maintained them". I have trained dog, horses, birds of prey etc etc.

I used to capture anoles and carry them with me as a kid or keep them between the screen and window with some plant life. I seldom if ever had one die.

I recently bought 2 Anoles (now live in PA) for the Grand kids to enjoy. I figured I would put them in a 10 gal aquarium but ended up buying an Exo-Terra terrarium that is about the size of a 10 gal aquarium set on its end. It allows for reasonable climbing. Since it is summer, I use my childhood trick of placing them between the window & screen right next to the terrarium for natural sunlight on nice afternoons. (with vegetation and shade options)

The Exo-terra with swinging front door opening and 3-D backwall is a really nice set-up. I have a magnetic ledge mounted on the side half way up. I am glad I spent the bucks. So far much more fun and less trouble than an aquarium and looks great with natural plants.

I placed an under the bottom heat pad, and a 25 watt full-spectrum (with UV-A) light in the hood. I put in a bonsai tree, some sedum ground cover, and a couple plants from Petco. The substrate is "plantation Earth" but really finely ground coconut hulls.

MY Question: (finally) - Won't the moist substrate just breed bacteria and mold. I have read elsewhere that some recommend the green carpet looking material that can be disinfected.

Thanks for any insight since I have no long term experience with terrariums or such moist substrate.

Hawk I helped you out and moved this to its own topic for you.

Hello and welcome to Herp Center.

Since you were having trouble posting a new thread is a tutorial. How To Post A Thread

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Welcome!

I would be VERY careful putting a glass tank in the sun. The glass will magnify the sunlight and could bake your anoles.

The substrate should be fine with the humidity level needed for the anoles, you do not want it soaking wet though.

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Thanks for the welcome and the replies.

I do not put the terrarium in the sun. I remove them from the terrarium and trap the anoles between the window and the exterior widow screen (house window) on sunny afternoons. I provide a misted branch for them to crawl on.

Welcome to HC!
The main problem people have with bacteria and mold is poor air flow. If your soil is too wet and the air is stagnant then you have the problems.
The tricky part is estabilishing good air circulation while maintaining the proper humidity. Sometimes it takes a bit of experimentation!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Welcome to HC!

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Hi and welcome to Herp Center.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Welcome! I have lots of live plants with that very substrate and never have a problem. If your tank is so humid and stagnant that you have condensation on the glass, then you have the chance of producing mold or bacteria. As long as you scoop out the poop you find, all should be dandy.

Since they are in the screen in the sun for a bit, that's OK for now, But they need UVB, they will need a special bulb in the winter when you can't put them in the screen. Full spectrum is not UVB.

I would be wary of them being in a place, where they can't get out of the heat if they want to.

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