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7 best substrates for anoles

If you are an Anole lizard lover, you want the best for them. Substrate is important. I remember looking for bedding for my firstborn son, it was as if money was not a factor, just his comfort and happiness was on my agenda. So, I get it, lizards are like our babies, right? Let me explain the best substrates for your Anole and why...

What is the best substrate for anoles? In my opinion, this is the best substrate - (Click here to see the reviews on Amazon). It is ideal for Anoles because it doesn't have any loose particles. Which is great for your lizard to avoid impaction.

Now you know what is my best choice, let me explain a few other options that may grab your attention, in particular, I have over seven to share with you. But before we get there, let me explain what you should be looking for when you are choosing substrate and more...

Quick Comparison

What is an Anole?

An Anole is a lizard which is part of the Anolis genus. This genus has a total of 425 different species within it according to Wikipedia. However, a good portion of these has been requested to be cut down and removed. So, the reality is there is more like 45 different species.

Out of all these species, the green anole is the only one which originates from the United States. It's probably one of the reasons why it is regarded as one of the most popular Anole species.

The other species are located in various parts of the world, such as Cuba, Jamaica and various other Caribean Islands.

What is the most popular Anole Species?

As discussed briefly, the Green Anole is easily the most popular lizard in this species. Also one of the most popular reptiles kept in captivity.

The Brown Anole is also kept in captivity. It is that arguably easier to maintain due to its slightly smaller size.

What type of substrate should you be looking for?

When it comes to looking for a substrate for anoles, you need to avoid danger and keep them safe.

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to a substrate for any lizard, and especially an Anole, is avoiding the chance of them digesting any of the substrate. This could lead to health conditions such as impaction.

There is only really one type of substrate that is truly digestible, which is alfalfa pellets.

What are Alfalfa pellets (I hear you ask)?...

An Alfalfa is a plant that has leaves similar to a clover. In recent years it has been manufactured into pellets and sold as a substrate for lizards and other reptiles. Now, back to my original point...

Even though these Alfalfa pellets are digestible, you have to be cautious. This is because too much of it consumed over a period of time can still lead to other health-related problems.

For that reason, in this article, I'm going to go through the best substrate for an Anole. In particular, the most popular for green Anoles (click here to see if an Anole will bite you!) and also the brown species. I will be putting special focus on ones that are the safest to avoid any issues such as impaction.

Best Substrates For Anoles

01. Zilla reptile liner

 

Click here to see the price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Easy to maintain and clean
  • Reduces unwanted odors
  • Non-particle based - Meaning you can avoid impaction

Cons:

  • Some keepers have reported that Juveniles can get their teeth caught.

This liner is ideal for adults because there is no risk of impaction. Because there are no digestible pieces.

It is very easy to maintain and keep clean. It is also good at keeping away nasty smelling odors. In fact, it has a special biodegradable enzyme technology built into it to avoid these kinds of odors.

However, the only negative I would say is there have been reports of juvenile lizards getting their teeth caught in the actual substrate itself. So just bear that one in mind.

02. Eco (Repti Cage) Carpet by Zoo Med

Click here to see the price on Amazon

Pros:

  • No loose Particles (Avoid Impaction)
  • Easy to maintain and keep Clean
  • Non-Abrasive

Cons:

  • Need to cut it to size (May be tricky to get it right)

This particle free carpet is ideal for Anoles. You can sleep at night without the worry of your lizard taking a mouthful of this substrate and getting impaction issues.

It is really easy to keep clean as well, so keeping on top of your enclosure maintenance will be a breeze. The only negative I would say is, if you are not good with your hands, like me, you may find it a bit difficult to cut it perfectly to size. But this is not really a deal breaker.

 

02. Eco Earth by Zoo Med

Click here to see the reviews on Amazon

Pros:

  • Great for Lizards that like to dig (Like Anoles)
  • Great for humidity control
  • Ideal for females that need to hide their eggs.
  • Compressed for easy storage (Easy to expand out).

Cons:

  • Can dry out if not maintained

This substrate is ideal for adult Anoles. Especially for females. It is coconut fiber that is compressed into a brick and is easily expanded using water.

You can keep it nice and moist to increase the humidity in your tank and it is also great for females that need to bury their eggs during hatching time.

One of the things I love about this one is it helps stimulate the natural digging activity that animals like to do.

03. EXO Terra Forest mosque

Click here to see the price on Amazon

Pros:

  • 100% Natural (Organic)
  • Perfect for incubation or Egg laying
  • Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

  • Can be a bit messy

This is a completely natural forest moss. Aesthetically it makes the terrarium look nice. It doesn't have any chemicals and is 100% organic. This adds to the comfort of your lizard.

It is also good for humidifying the terrarium and is also great for females. You can also use this for incubation of the eggs that they lay.

04. Fluker's Repta Park

Click here to see the reviews on Amazon

Pros:

  • Absorbs waste liquid (Keeps your enclosure clean)
  • 100% natural
  • Made from Coniferous trees

Cons:

  • Quantity is quite small but is good quality.

This is all natural bedding which is especially good for absorbing liquid waste. May develop in the terrarium.

This is also 100% organic. Free from chemicals which is always a bonus. It is made from coniferous trees and is good for humidity levels in the enclosure.

05. Beaked Moss by Zilla

Click here to see the price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Holds Moisture well
  • Maintains Humidity
  • Perfect for Anoles

Cons:

  • Some bags have a lot of air in the bag.

Another moss offering which is 100% organic. and is actually harvested from Oregon coniferous trees.

Similar to the other moss products that have been highlighted in this article, it is great for maintaining humidity and absorbing moisture.

One of the unique things that I like about this particular Moss is the lush green effect that it has when you lay this out in your enclosure. You will be happy with the green effect that it provides and provide a natural look.

06. Forest Floor Bedding by Zoo Med

Click here to see the reviews on Amazon

Pros:

  • Natural Look (Resembles a forest Floor)
  • Retains Moisture well
  • Soft enough for your Anole to dig and burrow.

Cons:

  • Has been known to be wet in the bag.

Cypress mulch substrate. This is a great substance because it is actually soft enough for your lizard to enjoy digging.

As most of these substrates that have been mentioned here, it is great for holding in moisture and regulating humidity. And again it is 100% organic without any chemicals.

07. Eco Carpet by Zoo Med

Click here to see the reviews on Amazon

Pros:

  • Easy to clean (Washable)
  • 100% natural
  • Ingestion Free (Reduces chances of impaction).

Cons:

  • May be difficult to fit your enclosure.

This lining carpet is absorbent and it is also easy to maintain and keep clean. One of the benefits that I love about this is the fact that it is not possible for your lizard to ingest any pieces off of it.

This is because it is particle-free. It is also washable and easy to maintain.