How to Build a Hamster Aquarium

Hamsters don't require a wire or plastic cage for their habitat. You can create a suitable living space for your hamster using an old or new aquarium. Adapting an aquarium, however, poses its own challenges and potential dangers. Do your homework beforehand; know what steps you must take to provide the safest aquarium habitat available for your hamster.

Things You'll Need

  • Old aquarium
  • Wood shavings
  • Newspaper strips
  • Water dish
  • Toys
  • Wire top
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an aquarium that is the appropriate size for your hamster. Small Angels Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing small animals, recommends using at least a 20-gallon tank. Hamsterific, an informational hamster website, recommends at least 10 gallons. Choose the size that fits your hamster and its toys most appropriately.

    • 2

      Dry the aquarium completely before putting any hamster essentials inside. Spray it out with an air compressor if possible. Any wetness or condensation will grow mold.

    • 3

      Lay at least 2 inches of bedding into the bottom of the aquarium. Buy aspen wood shavings or use any type of paper, such as strips of newspaper. Use enough of the material so that the hamster can burrow into and below it.

    • 4

      Attach a water container to the side of the tank and put a small dish in the aquarium for food, about 3 inches in diameter. Arrange an exercise wheel and any other toys and tubes your hamster likes.

    • 5

      Buy a wire top from your local pet store. Hamsters can chew through screen tops and escape. Wire keeps this from happening.