Homemade Aquariums & Hamster Cages

Modern aquariums are constructed from five pieces of glass and non-toxic silicone sealer. Although a large variety of commercial aquariums are available, aquarists can design and make their own without much trouble. Hobbyists who build their own aquariums know that the tank will fit their needs perfectly. Glass aquariums make for ideal hamster cages as well, particularly for housing dwarf hamsters. Aquariums are draft-free and can be built to accommodate any number of hamsters.

  1. Conventional Hamster Cages

    • Conventional hamster cages are typically constructed with stainless steel bars. Pet stores often supply a hamster ̶0;starter kit,̶1; which contains dishes and toys, with the cage. However, as the popularity of dwarf hamsters grows, these cages are becoming obsolete. Dwarf hamsters are normally capable of squeezing through the bars of these cages, which were originally designed for the larger Syrian hamster.

    Glass Aquariums for Hamsters

    • Aquariums are the best type of housing for dwarf hamsters. These tiny rodents either trap their heads in the bars of conventional cages, or manage to escape into the house, where they are at the mercy of other pets, such as cats and dogs. It is best to place a wire top on the hamster aquarium, to prevent condensation, which will occur if you use a glass top. Aquariums that house hamsters must not be placed near a window, or they will become a heat trap.

    Glass Aquariums for Fish

    • Aquarists use clear float glass to build their aquariums. It is best to bevel or round the edges before construction and to wipe off oily marks from the glass cutting process. Thicker glass is required for large aquariums. The taller the aquarium, the more the pressure that is exerted on the glass, and tanks which are higher than 36 inches need glass stress-bars, which are secured from the front to the rear of the aquarium. Aquariums must not be moved when full of water and tanks must always be placed on a level aquarium stand or piece of furniture. A sheet of polystyrene foam should be positioned underneath large aquariums, to compensate for any slight irregularities on the stand.

    Sealing Glass Aquariums

    • The five glass panes of an aquarium are held together with 100 percent non-toxic silicone sealer. This sealer is applied as a continuous bead between the pieces of glass which need to be joined together. The silicone sealer must dry or cure for 24 hours after application and aquarists should always fill their new tanks with water to test for leaks before adding decor and equipment.