Is A 50 Gallon Tank Big Enough For A Hamster (Here's What You Need To Know)

Whenever you plan to put a hamster, it can be challenging to determine the size of its living tanks. Why? Because there are several factors to consider. Since hamsters are active creatures that love to play and burrow, you have to make enough space for them.

And for that, many people inquire, “is a 50-gallon tank is big enough for a hamster”? Yes, a hamster may live in the 50-gallon tank and have enough space to play. The 50-gallon tank will suffice for most hamsters’ activities.

Below, we’re discussing how a 50-gallon tank can be suitable for a hamster. So, let’s get right to it.

Is A 50 Gallon Tank Big Enough For A Hamster?

50-gallon tank works perfectly for hamsters as it measures 15 inches wide, 36 inches long, and 20 inches tall, an equals 510 sq inches. So considering these dimensions, it will be enough for petting a hamster in this size gallon.

But remember, you will need to provide 510 sq inches of floor space for keeping a hamster, so check if your home has that much space available.

Nonetheless, you can conveniently place hamsters’ wheels and other props in this big tank to keep them occupied. Moreover, this tank also provides enough space for putting your hamster’s bedding, ranging from 3 inches to 8 inches high.

What do you need to Know When Getting a 50 Gallon Hamster Tank?

There are some key fundamentals to think through when choosing the size of the hamster tanks. It would be best if you consider the following:

● Tank Size and Hamster Size

If you go for a 50-gallon tank, you will find that it comes in different dimensions. Some tanks might be high in width, while others might be tall. So don’t randomly get a 50-gallon tank for a hamster. Instead, make a mindful decision to buy a tank that is adequately wide and high.

If you buy a tank that is only tall and not wide, it will provide less space for placing props. Although you can make good bedding for your hamster, it will not be enough. On the other hand, if you get an expansive tank that lacks height, it will make for your hamster to sneak out of the tank easily unless you cover it with a mesh lid.

Therefore, take into account the particular necessities before purchasing a 50-gallon tank.

● Hamsters Are Gofers

Although hamsters have been domesticated for a long time, they still mimic their native running behavior. Leaving them in tight spaces will make them anxious and stressed, and they are born to run and burrow. And for a fun fact, hamsters are fast run and travel more than five miles a night. So whenever you set a tank for a hamster, don’t forget to put a spinning wheel too.

Apparently, you can set up a 50-gallon tank for the hamster, but make sure to place props and adequate bedding for them. In addition, here is a video where you can learn more about hamster tanks:

Is a 50-gallon tank Good for Different Hamster Species?

Some hamster species are more energetic and big than others. Such as, dwarf hamsters are nobler than Syrian hamsters. So if you have a dwarf hamster as a pet, it will be happy in its 50-gallon tank, while the Syrian hamster will become stressed if you confine them in a small tank.

So considering this dwarf hamster will be more comfortable than Syrian hamsters in a 50-gallon tank. Still, you can make necessary arrangements for your Syrian hamsters in the tank, but you should see for stressed and anxious activities of your hamster. If the hamster starts to play stressed, consider changing his home.

Can I get a 10-gallon tank for a hamster instead of a 50-gallon tank?

When you first look at hamsters, you think they can easily sit in small spaces such as a 10-gallon tank, but that isn’t true. Hamsters are sprinters that love to run and burrow. A 10-gallon tank will be so confined for the hamsters that you can only consider adding it as an additional space with a bigger tank.

Therefore, it is best to go for more giant tanks, such as 50 to 70-gallon tanks for your hamster. But still, if you want to set up your 10-gallon tank that is idling around the house, make it an accompanying space with a bigger tank.

You can create more fun space for your hamster this way. And if you have more than one hamster, this extra space will be beneficial to place their spinning wheels and props.

What is the Ideal floor space of the Hamster Tank?

As stated earlier, the tanks come in different heights and widths regardless of their gallon size. For instance, a 50-gallon tank with 20-inch height and 36-inch width will work perfectly instead of a 60-gallon tank with a towering height and small floor space.

And when you house a hamster, it becomes your ground reality to take care of your pet’s happiness. So we suggest looking for a hamster tank that is more than 600 sq inches to make enough room for your hamster to play. In addition, it is always best to get a bigger tank instead of a small tank.

With adequate floor space, you quickly place the playing props of your pet. You can also make a good thick bedding of 4-7 inches for your pet to rest in this way.

Moreover, if you have extra space and money to get a bigger tank, we suggest choosing a 70-gallon tank as you can create multi-floor plans for your hamster. Likewise, you can also house two hamsters in such a big tank.

As per experts, how big is the Hamster Tank you need to get?

Although hamsters are not gigantic creatures, they do require an enormous space. Since they are born to dig, burrow and run, you must prepare for such activities when buying a tank. According to the experts, below is some advice on getting the hamster tank!

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) says that a 15-30 gallon tank is is good for hamsters. Moreover, a you should cover the tank with mesh lid to keep hamsters ventilated and protected..
In addition to HSUS, the Hamster Society Singapore give advice that hamsters need 620 square inches of floor space.
Although HSUS and Hamster Society Singapore suggest 200-620 sq inches, the woodgreen association UK suggest Depth 50cm x Width 80cm x Height 50cm for syrian hamsters and Depth 50cm x Width 80cm x Height 35cm for dwarf hamsters.
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What are the consequences of getting a hamster tank of fewer than 50 gallons?

As mentioned earlier, putting a hamster in a small tank may become stressful and calamitous. Although experts suggest a minimum of 288 sq inches of space for hamsters, any tank with less than 40-gallon capacity will not be suitable. Your hamster can become stressed in a confined space and exhibit behaviors such as biting, climbing the tank, or trying to get out of the cage.

When you encounter such behaviors in your hamster, consider getting a bigger tank of 50 gallons or even more. Moreover, it would be best if you also made the hamster’s bedding mindfully as too low bedding (less than 3 inches) will be uncomfortable, and too high (more than 7 inches) will make the hamster leave the cage.

What essentials do you need to place in a 50 Gallon Hamster Tank?

Being a responsible hamster parent, it is your responsibility to keep them happy and content in their housing. And for that, you need to do more than provide a large space. Since hamsters are curious creatures, they love to dig and burrow; you need to place all props that help them ease their happy feet.

Besides placing the food bowl and water, you must make enough bedding. Since hamster love to tunnel and burrow, 3-7 inches of bedding will be enough for them in the tank. Thus, it would be best if you also place a spinning dish or wheel to let them move those tiny feet. And above all, don’t forget to put some chew toys to play with.

Parting Wisdom

Hamsters can comfortably live and thrive in a 50-gallon tank. Although this size is sufficient, a giant cage is typically a good idea because you can place more props in such tanks. So, if you have the space in your home for a large tank, you can consider buying something up to 75 gallons in capacity.