Tank Cages

Say what?

No, the hamsters don't swim with the fishes. But, tank cages are aquariums that have been modified for use by hamsters. They are awesome because they provide a large amount of space and look great! They are also frequently on sale, making them the cheapest pre-made caging option on the market.

They are very species appropriate as they give the hamster the opportunity to properly burrow while still giving them lots of territory to keep them comfortable. Because they are aquariums, you can even snag a pretty stand with lots of storage. Just check your local aquarium store!

Tank Cage FAQ's

What type of tank do I buy?

We only recommend 40 gallon breeders and up! 40 gallon breeders offer about 650 square inches of floor space, and larger sizes provide even more.

Where do I buy a tank?

Petco frequently hold $1 per gallon sales, during which the 40 gallon is 50% off. It comes to about $55 (confusing, yes). Recently, Petsmart has started hosting their own $1 per gallon sales so keep an eye on both locations. Alternatively, you can purchase used aquariums on resale sites such as Craigslist--just be sure to clean them very well before use.

What else Do i need?

You will need a screen top to cover the tank, and you may want to invest in inexpensive cage locks to keep the lid secure. The cost of the screen top will be between $15-25, and cage locks are only $3-5.

You will also need something to place the tank on. It needs to support the entire bottom of the tank, or you risk dangerous cracking. There happens to be a nice rack available at Lowes that fits 40 gallon breeders exactly--and actually includes space to fit 4 of them if you want more hamsters later. It is available here.

Of course, you may simply choose to purchase a tank stand from the pet store or use a table or other piece of furniture you already own.

What about a water bottle?

You have several options!

Velcro--grab some velcro and stick one side to the tank, one side to the bottle. Viola!
Magnets--If your holder is a little too short (we recommend this set) you can attach it to the tank with strong magnets. Two on the back of the holder, two on the outside of the glass. The benefit of this is you have super easy access to the bottle itself.
Water bottle holder--If you already have a bottle, you can grab a long bottle holder (like this one). It has a clip on the back that can be used for hanging.

Tank-Style Cages

Niteangel or BUCATSTATE Pet Cages

This cage is a Cheeks fav! It is so beautiful the company is amazing, and it will last and last. It's pricey, to be sure, but if you are looking for luxe--look no further. The sliding glass doors make interacting and cleaning SO easy. You can also swap the glass side panels for bars (included) for extra ventilation. See the Cage Shopping List for more options.

Exo-Terra Terrarium

The Exo-Terra provides the same floorspace as a 40 gallon tank, but offers handy front doors and a built in screen top. They are expensive, but very convenient!

Petsmart