Can A Hamster Live In A 20 Gallon Tank? Find Out If Its Big Enough

Hamsters are active animals, so they need plenty of space to move around safely and play with their friends. They also need room to hide when they feel threatened or scared. These factors mean that hamsters need a lot of space.

So, can a hamster live in a 20 gallon tank? Technically, a hamster could live in a 20-gallon tank but, It’s not a very good idea. If you want to make your pet comfortable and keep it safe and healthy, you should consider getting a larger tank. That’s why most owners recommend a minimum of 450 square inches or 30-gallon tanks for hamsters.

This article will take a look at the recommended size of hamster habitat, how to make their habitat better and what to avoid.

Is A 20 Gallon Tank Big Enough For A Hamster?

A typical 20-gallon tank meant for hamsters measures 24 inches by 12 inches. These measurements give it an area of 288 square inches.

The new recommended size is 450 square inches (30 gallons). Hence, this is way below. Here is why hamsters won’t like living in a 20 gallon tank:

1. Hamsters like to explore

Hamsters are curious creatures, and when they’re in a new environment, they want to explore it all! They’ll dig around in their food bowl and make sure it’s not empty. They’ll be running around with their head in their hands, wondering where the next treat is hiding.

Because of this, a 20-gallon tank can actually be too small for a hamster. A hamster needs space to stretch out and figure out its surroundings.

2. Hamsters designate segments of their cages

Hamsters need to be able to move around their cage, so they can eat and drink, as well as sleep and play. When you give them a 20 gallon tank, they won’t have enough space for all of these things.

Hamsters have designated areas for eating, drinking water, and sleeping. A 20 gallon tank is too small for a hamster to have these places individually designated for each task. You can’t have bedding near food to avoid contamination.

3. Hamsters differ in body size

You may have heard that hamsters live in a 20 gallon tank, but it’s actually not true. That’s because there are many different types of hamsters, and each type needs a different size of cage to thrive.

The truth is that hamsters come in all shapes and sizes, which means they need a different cage size to match their personality.  A small hamster measures one to eight inches in length. An adult can be as long as 14 inches based on their species. These measurements mean that if you put them in a 20 gallon tank, they’ll consume up to 10% of its area.

4. Hamster tanks should have toys

Hamsters are smart little creatures, but they’re not always clear on how to make their living space work for them. They need space to run around and do what hamsters do best—play!

A 20 gallon tank is just too small for a hamster to live in comfortably. Hamsters are active animals, and they need toys such as wheels. These toys take up space. In the case of a 20 gallon tank, they’ll fill it up, leaving no room for your hamster.

What Other Things to Consider While Choosing a Hamster’s Tank

There are many different factors to consider while choosing the best glass tanks for your hamster glass tanks. Some features that can make a safe and reliable home for your pet include:

1. Glass Tank with a Wire Mesh Top

Although wire cages make a better choice, you can still choose glass tanks if you can ensure ventilation. Make sure the glass is thick enough and has a secured wired top. Also, place the tank in a well-ventilated area where enough breeze and sunlight can pass through. Lack of ventilation can cause ammonia to build up, damaging your hammy’s health.

We also recommend that you avoid plastic cages at all costs. Hamsters have strong teeth that can chew plastics. Eating plastic can lead to devastating effects such as digestive tract blockage and even death.

2. Size

The best cage for hamsters to live in should be at least 450 square inches or 30 gallons. This is the minimum size required for a hamster, and it’s also the recommended size of the cage.

This will give your hamster plenty of space to move around and climb, which is very important for their well-being. If they can’t move freely, they can get stress which can cause many severe health issues. Besides, the right size can ensure they have all their essentials in a place, like toys, bedding, food bowls, etc.

3. Ensure Regular Cleaning

The problem with glass tanks is they’re not well-ventilated and need regular maintenance. You’ve to ensure weekly deep cleaning and daily wipe-offs to ensure no ammonia or germs can build up. Otherwise, they can be severely detrimental to your hamster’s health.

4. Avoid all the unsafe things

You should avoid unsafe things if you’re planning to use a glass tank for your hammy. Some of these include perfumed beddingor pine bedding, as they cant toxic to the respiratory system, plastic materials, or hamster balls.

Can A Syrian Hamster Live In A 20 Gallon Tank?

Syrian hamsters are bigger and can be a bit tricky to keep as pets. They need a cage that is large enough for them to move around comfortably, but small enough for them to feel at home in.

Adult Syrian hamsters measure about 7 inches. So, can a Syrian hamster live in a 20-gallon tank? Although they can, it’s not recommended to have a tank that measures only five times its length. This should be at least 35 x 12 inches. The bigger, the better.

Can A Dwarf Hamster Live In a 20 Gallon Tank?

Dwarf hamsters are the smallest type of hamster, and they require a smaller cage than other types. They grow up to about 2 to 5 inches in length. So, Yes, they can. A 24 x 12 inches 20 gallons tank is good enough for them.

3. Chinese Hamsters

Chinese hamsters are one of the most popular species for housing in a home. They’re small, but they still require a cage that’s big enough to allow you to have your hamster move around freely.

The minimum size for the Chinese breed would be 24 inches x 12 inches. So a 20 to 30 gallon tank would be a better choice.

What Should be the Tank Size for Multiple Hamsters?

You’re going to need a bigger cage if you have lots of hamsters. For instance, if you have two hamsters, you’d want to account for the space used for feeding, bedding, and play area. If you have two hamsters, double the area, but the height of the tank can remain the same. A 75 gallon tank could be a good choice for multiple inhabitants.

Related Questions

Here are answers to common questions related to hamster cages:

How much does the right-size of hamster cage cost?

Cages cost anywhere between $50 to $120 depending on their quality and make. Cages could be made of wood, metal, or other materials. This explains the difference in cost. Glass aquarium tanks for hamsters will cost way more than the given range.

With That Said

Technically, hamsters can live in a 20-gallon tank. However, it is not optimum for their needs. The new recommended size is 30 gallons or 450 square inches. A big cage is best for many reasons: it provides more room for exercise and exploration. With a big cage, you won’t have to worry about bedding contaminating hamster food. The two will be placed in different corners far away from each other. If you’re looking for the healthiest home for your pet hamster, a 30-gallon habitat is highly recommended!