Here's an example of a lower substrate end with an 11" wheel
Partly fenced off with a bendy bridge on its side to have deeper substrate one side and sand in the other.
Obi's natural set up is complete!
Also, if you're in the Uk or Europe - have a look at Zooplus - they have a good selection of cages at reasonable prices. Free delivery. The Alaska, Barney and Alexander are good and popular for Syrians. The Barney and Alexander have narrow 7mm bar spacing so also good for smaller species of hamsters, if set up carefully to avoid fall risks from a height.
As it's for a Syrian, my first choice would either be the Barney, Alexander or Savic Hamster Plaza (which is being sold for a good price at the moment!). All of which easily fit a 12" wheel and with the shelves and option for more levels, give a lot of scope for enrichment. And have doors at the front. The Savic Plaza has a lovely big front opening door - good for access and interaction with the hamster. I prefer cages due to the ventilation and because you can attach things to bars and the roof to add to the enrichment.
If you prefer the tank style, and they do look very nice, then the 100cm Zoozone is good - I believe the lid can be a bit fiddly, and needs meshing, as you say.
https://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small.../hamster_cages
Edit - Hamster Plaza gone back up to standard price now of £75 - it was reduced a few days ago.
http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pe...r-and-rat-cage