Is A 55 Gallon Tank Big Enough For A Hamster?
Choosing the ideal size for a hamster tank might be challenging because it depends on various things. The type of hamster you have is the first consideration, but choosing a certain kind of cage may lead to a different conclusion.
And for that, many people ask, is a 55-gallon tank big enough for a hamster? Yes, the 55-gallon tank is suitable for a hamster. As you place the wheel and other props in the tank, it will suffice for most of the activities of a hamster.
Below, we provide details on a 55-gallon tank big enough for a hamster. So let’s get down to it:
Is A 55 Gallon Tank Big Enough For A Hamster?
Can a hamster live in a 55-gallon tank? Yes, the 55-gallon tank works perfectly for hamsters as it measures 13-inches wide, 48-inches long, and 21-inches tall, an equals 624 sq inches. So if you have that much floor space, it can work well.
You will have adequate space for placing your hamster’s treadmill-style wheel or saucer wheel. Moreover, you can also put a little maze and other props in the tank.
In addition, you can make the bedding 8 inches which is quite suitable for the hamsters.
Is a 55-Gallon Tank Big Enough for Syrian Hamsters and Dwarf Hamsters Both?
The 55-gallon tank is big enough for some hamster species, such as dwarf hamsters, you can comfortably keep more than two in your 55-gallon tank. But some hamsters are pickier than others.
For example, a Syrian hamster can get nosy about less space if they have a small cage. Speaking of the 55-gallon tank it will work fine for the Syrian hamsters as well. But, you should still look out for stressful behaviors if you house a Syrian hamster in a 55-gallon tank. If they show stress in it, consider getting a bigger tank.
Some Factors to Consider When Getting a 55 Gallon Hamster Tank
There are some key fundamentals to think through when choosing the size of the hamster tanks. You should look for:
Tank Size Vs. Hamster Size
The 55-gallon tank come in different dimensions. For example, some 55-gallon tanks may be greater in height and others may be more widespread. When buying the hamster tank you should be mindful to find the balance between the height and width of the tank.
Too high a tank, it will make for less floor space but it will provide more space for placing the bedding. In addition, the greater width will provide less room for bedding and your hamster will likely cling up to the top of the tank.
So before you buy a 55-gallon tank, consider the specific needs of your hamster. If you have a dwarf hamster or any other shorter breed hamster, you can definitely opt for the 55-gallon tank with more height and less width. However, for more busy and oversized hamsters getting a 55-gallon tank with more width is your best shot.
Hamsters Are Born To Be Runners
Remember that domesticated hamsters still mimic the behavior of wild hamsters, so leaving them in congested spaces will make it stressful. Moreover, hamsters can run 5 miles+ at night, so providing them with the running wheel is a must to comfort their pacey feet.
So now, if you ask if a 55-gallon tank is suitable for a hamster, the answer is yes unless your hamster is not picky about space and is not gigantic.
Moreover, here is a video where you can look at different hamster tank sizes:
Can I Get a 10-Gallon Tank for a Hamster Instead of a 55-Gallon Tank?
![Can I Get a 10-Gallon Tank for a Hamster Instead of a 55-gallon Tank](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Can-I-Get-a-10-Gallon-Tank-for-a-Hamster-Instead-of-a-55-gallon-Tank.jpg)
If you are a new hamster parent, you might assume that tiny creatures like hamsters will fit in a small 10-gallon tank. But that is not the case. 10 Gallon tank is not enough for even Robo hamsters. On the other hand, the Syrian hamsters are bigger than Dwarf or Robo hamsters, so that will definitely not be a place for them. In short, you should get a 40-55 gallon tank for the hamster.
Although if you have a 10-gallon tank, you can use it as an add-on cage for a bigger tank. It will increase the space for your pacey creatures. They will have more places to hide and dig with this tank. In addition, this extra space will also make for your busy little friends to have more props and stuff to play around with.
What Floor Space of Hamster Tank is Good?
![What Floor Space of Hamster Tank is Good](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-Floor-Space-of-Hamster-Tank-is-Good.jpg)
As a responsible hamster parent, it is your responsibility to look for the comfort and content of the hamster. And that also entails providing them the larger spaces to relax. As mentioned earlier, there are different dimensions of the 55-gallon tank. It is always preferable to look for a 55-gallon tank bigger than 600 square inches. Such a floor space will suffice for the activities of the hamsters.
You can place 3-5 inches of bedding for the hamster in such a tank and put the spinning wheel and mazes. Furthermore, you can also try the other 55-gallon tank sizes as well.
In addition, you can consider creating a habitat for the hamsters with multi-floor plans and numerous rooms and mazes. There are countless ways to make your available hamster space interactive and fun.
How Big Should a Hamster Tank Be?
![How Big Should a Hamster Tank Be](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/How-Big-Should-a-Hamster-Tank-Be.jpg)
It’s simple to think that tiny animals, like hamsters, don’t require a lot of space. Hamsters enjoy exploring, digging, and exercising. So you will need to give them the freedom to do so; you must be ready to invest in a large tank as you can manage.
· The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends a 24″x12″ tank or a 288 square inch (1858 square centimeter) wire cage measuring 2 square feet for all hamsters.
· Conferring to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), all hamsters should have an area of 200 square inches (1290 square centimeters).
· Moreover, according to the California hamster association, the minimum floor space should be 450 sq in. or 2904sq cm.
Will a Hamster Tank of Less Than 55 Gallon Affect the Hamster?
![Will a Hamster Tank of Less Than 55 Gallon Affect the Hamster](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Will-a-Hamster-Tank-of-Less-Than-55-Gallon-Affect-the-Hamster.jpg)
A hamster housed in a container that is too small can experience stress and unhappiness. While a 40-gallon tank will not be much of a problem for hamsters but a tank that is too tiny, can lead your hamster to stress. Your hamster may demonstrate stressful symptoms by biting, scaling the cage, or attempting to escape.
If your hamster exhibits these tendencies, you might consider getting a 55-gallon tank. Make sure there is enough bedding piled with two to three inches. Your hamster’s health depends on it, and it helps them feel secure in their place.
What Do a 55 Gallon Hamster Tank Need to Have?
![What Do a 55 Gallon Hamster Tank Need to Have](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-Do-a-55-Gallon-Hamster-Tank-Need-to-Have.jpg)
We all know that it’s crucial to have a hamster house that is big enough for your tiny pet. Besides this, it is equally essential to give your hamster the things they need and something entertaining to keep them busy.
Like humans and other animals, hamsters require food, water, and housing. A feeding bowl, water bottle, and adequate bedding are required for the hamster to the tunnel. Make sure to maintain a clean layer of bedding that is at a minimum of two to three inches thick. A hamster wheel is necessary for exercise, and chewing toys are essential for the hamster’s dental health.
FAQs
There are a few questions that many hamster parents may ask. We are listing some of them below:
1. Can I Keep My Hamster In A 55 Gallon Fish Tank?
If you have an idle 55-gallon fish tank in your garage, you can consider making it the hamster’s new home. The fish tank can be perfect for making the bedding and placing the props in the fish tank. Moreover, many fish tanks come with a lid so it will be best for housing your hamster.
2. What is the average size for a hamster cage?
A hamster tank is a cage explicitly made to house one or more hamsters. While many experts, including Gernot Kuhnen, advise that hamsters prosper with more significant tank sizes, hamster tanks must have a floor area of at least 450 square inches or more.
3. Hamsters, Can They Survive In A 55 gallon Glass Tank?
55 gallon glass tanks are suitable for housing hamsters as long as they have adequate airflow and temperature control. Also, it is your responsibility to make sure that there is enough food, water, and amusement available. And also carefully place the tank so it won’t tip over and break.
Takeaway?
Two dwarf hamsters or one Syrian hamster may fit in a 55-gallon aquarium. While this size is adequate, a larger cage is usually preferable. You can think about acquiring something up to 75 gallons in size if you have the room in your house to accommodate a giant cage. No cage for hamsters can be too large. Add a minimum of two to three inches of hamster bedding to allow for burrowing.