Aquarium Habitats for Hamsters

Due to ventilation limitations, aquariums with wire-mesh lids are not the preferred housing units for larger pet hamster species such as the Syrian or golden. Aquariums can do in a pinch, however, especially if the hamster owner is aware of potential problems and is able to compensate. Aquariums are the only practical housing for the smallest species of pet hamster, the Roborovski. This species is so small that it can easily squeeze through the walls of wire cages.

  1. Size

    • Hamsters enjoy wandering about, so the larger the aquarium the better. Aquariums need to be at least 10 gallons in size to house just one Chinese or Syrian hamster, or two members of the dwarf hamster species. The aquarium must be large enough for the hamster and its toys. Since the hamster has to sleep in an enclosed tank, it needs to have room to get away from its own urine and feces.

    Ventilation

    • It is important that the aquarium have a wire mesh lid in order to keep the hamsters from escaping and to provide ventilation. In an aquarium, the ventilation is greatly reduced because of the solid walls. Wet spots in bedding and piles of uneaten food need to be cleaned out every day, or they will provide home for dangerous bacteria or the aspergillis fungus. Ammonia fumes from urine also can make the hamster sick.

    Temperature

    • Another drawback to an aquarium's lack of ventilation is that the temperature inside can quickly rise. It is vitally important that an aquarium housing hamsters not be kept near a heat source or placed in direct sunlight. The temperature inside of the aquarium will become too hot for the hamsters and they could die from heat stroke.

    Other Considerations

    • Aquariums for hamsters can be made from glass or acrylic. Hamsters, however, may chew their way out of plastic aquariums. Check for cracks or loose walls before placing the hamsters inside. Some commercial aquarium lids are made to connect an aquarium to a plastic hamster home, or to tunnels where the hamster can climb about. Roborovski hamsters prefer to dig and burrow as their source of entertainment, so they need as deep a layer of bedding as you can provide. Be sure to add toys such as a wheel to any hamster aquarium or the hamster will get bored and constantly jump at top of the cage trying to get out and find something to do.