Many anoles may seem unhealthy or sickly, but are simply the victims of inadequate care rather than disease. The first and most important part of caring for pet anoles is to make sure that their habitat is appropriately set up. Glass and plastic aquariums are ideal for anoles, but it is easy to put too many in one aquarium. As a general rule of thumb, every anole needs about 10 gallons of aquarium space to feel unconstrained. Perhaps the most important part of the anole's aquarium is the presence of ample climbing spaces.
Most pet stores sell plastic leaves that can be hung from the top of aquariums to simulate trees.
Anoles are tree lizards and will not be content without some virtual trees on which to spend most of their time. Since the anoles need to descend to the ground to hunt, it is also a good idea to leave a strand of the plastic leaves hanging down to the aquarium floor. Some anoles also enjoy rocks for basking, but won't use them unless they are near their climbing leaves. The aquarium substrate, the soil and bark at the bottom, is also very important for anoles. Many owners assume that since the anoles stay off the ground most of the time, they can just toss in some bark for show.