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Old 01-16-2012, 04:15 PM   #1
Hamtastic
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Thumbs up 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

I have noticed that there are no aquarium reviews and decided to make one, as I am a huge fan, and all but one of my hamsters are in aquariums or aquarium-style cages. I used to use bins and ZooZone1s and such. While it might seem obvious what aquariums would be like as habitats, it's good to share some tips, photos, and set ups, especially for members who don't have access to many other good bin-style cages that European members can get. Even so, I feel that aquaria can be a superior choice in their own right based on certain criteria and are certainly worth considering as a home for a hamster or two.. or a colony!

These criteria in which a good aquarium will win over another type of habitat cage are:
  • Visibility
Burrows, tunnels, your pretty set ups:

You can see your hamsters and whatever they are doing quite easily while they think you can't

  • Economical footprint
In other words, what you see is what you get for floor space. A 30/40 Gallon Breeder has a footprint of 36" x 18" or 91cm x 46cm, and, taking into account glass thickness, the inner dimensions that you get in floor space are 44.5cm x 89.5cm, which is approximately 4000 square centimeters and only 84 square centimeters smaller than a much bulkier ZooZone 2 with 4" of bedding.
  • Stylish and could decorate any room


An aquarium habitat looks effortlessly beautiful, if that's something you consider when choosing your cages. A beautifully set up aquarium can add to your space almost as well as a pretty fish tank with tropical fish, if you add some lighting.
  • Escape-proof security
An aquarium with a metal mesh top screen is chew proof and escape proof for hamsters who love chewing on bars, through plastic, and escape artists.
  • Ease of cleaning
This might actually not be obvious, but I find it easier to clean an aquarium than some bin style cages, such as Mini Duna or F.O.P. Gabia Tamburino--they have gridded plastic bottom which traps dust and dirt and requires washing. To clean an aquarium, I take out all the toys and accessories and scoop all the bedding into a trash bag, holding it inside the aquarium. Then I use a small brush with a dust pan to pick up small particles and wipe clean with damp paper towels and then dry paper towels. A small vacuum cleaner can be used in place of the brush + dust pan.
  • Some things fit better in an aquarium

For example, dividers for reintroduction are easier made for and placed in an aquarium, because of its rectangular shape all the way through. Shelves can be more efficiently placed against the glass walls. Objects can be secured with suction cups throughout. Log bridges or rectangular pieces of wood and such could be used to block off sections for different types of terrain.
These are some of the qualities of aquaria that I've grown to appreciate. A positive quality that aquariums share with bins is the ability to hold a very deep layer of bedding for digging.

-------

A 40 Gallon Breeder is 36" long, 18" wide, and ~17" tall. A 30 gallon breeder has the same footprint but is ~13" tall. For a syrian hamster who requires a wheel of 11" or greater, I would recommend a 40 gallon breeder--or if you wish to have custom shelves or very deep layers of bedding. Dwarfies or small syrians will do well in 30 Gallon Breeders.

If you live in the U.S., Petco has regular Dollar-per-Gallon sales on its Aqueon range of tanks, so you can get a 40 Gallon Breeder for just $40 + tax! A mesh screen top is usually $20-25, less on-line. I prefer and use a hinged screen for easy access to your hams. There is also Zilla Critter Cage in the 40 gallon breeder shape. It already comes with a screen top cover and can periodically be found on a 50% off sale at Petsmart and such for ~$60.

I found that top cover screen clips are not necessary for at least the tops I own (Petco hinged top screen for 40 Gallon Breeder size), as they sit pretty securely on my tanks already.

Hope I haven't missed anything important.

Edited to add: Issue of ventilation. A Breeder-style aquarium is wider than it is tall, so the top opening is actually quite large compared to the depth. For a 30/40 gallon aquarium, the opening is huge, so there is plenty of ventilation. I've never noticed even a hint of condensation last summer, and it does get very hot and humid here on some days.
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Last edited by Hamtastic; 01-16-2012 at 11:36 PM.
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Old 01-16-2012, 04:24 PM   #2
Gibbs&JackBlack
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

Very well done review. I agree that tanks are a great cage option-esp the larger ones. I think the 40 gal breeder tanks are really an ideal size. And in the USA, this is one of the best options available.

I have tanks for all my cages and while they are heavy, this works to my advantage because my younger kids can't move them! And I agree they are easy to clean.
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Old 01-16-2012, 07:39 PM   #3
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

As always I'd like to day I love your cages.

The review was GREAT. Thank you

I wish I had the money for aquariums but sadly I don't have that kind of cash. *sigh*
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Old 01-16-2012, 07:44 PM   #4
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

Quote:
Originally Posted by MMMTDF View Post

I wish I had the money for aquariums but sadly I don't have that kind of cash. *sigh*
I just wanted to add that you can often find aquariums cheap at thrift stores, garage sales, or on craigslist. I've found 2 of my 20 gal long tanks for $15 each at a thrift store and I got a 10 gal tank for $3!
I've been looking for a 40 gal tank for awhile but know that I can always get 1 at Petco for $40 when they have their $1 a gal sales (which they just had).
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Old 01-16-2012, 07:53 PM   #5
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

Oh is it over already Well, they've had at least 3 since I got my 40 gallon last summer. So should probably have another in the next couple months (I hope).

Thanks, Mikayla
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Old 01-16-2012, 08:04 PM   #6
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

I just checked-the $1 a gal sale is until Jan 21
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Old 01-16-2012, 08:21 PM   #7
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

WHAT? IT IS?

Maybe I can convince my dad I need I reserve cage? As a teenager I can't make very much money. I made ten today by washing the dogs... I reeeeeeeally want a 40 gallon :P
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Old 01-04-2013, 01:05 AM   #8
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

I that petco's 40 gallon for $40 regular price $114.99 tag says good through 1/19/13 in DFW TX
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Old 01-04-2013, 03:14 AM   #9
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

Sounds like a great bargain!

Hamtastic - I LOVE your set ups!
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Old 01-04-2013, 05:55 AM   #10
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Default Re: 30 / 40 Gallon Aquarium as a hamster habitat

That's an excellent review Hamtastic! You've listed very elegantly almost all the reasons why I prefer tanks over barred cage. I'd like to add that glass tanks also prevent bar chewing and substrate falling out, although those are more general things shared with plastic tanks. (On reread I realized the lack of chewing was listed. Forgive me as it's 5 AM and haven't had my coffee yet )

I've just picked two 40gB from Petco today and will order the covers online, good to know that the cover will be a good fit.
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