California Hamster Association
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    • Support Ethical Breeding
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Glass Cages

Why a glass cage?

Glass cages are include habitats designed for hamsters as well as aquariums that have been modified for hamsters. They are awesome because they provide a large amount of space and offer a sleek and modern look. Aquariums are also frequently on sale or available secondhand, 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.


Fun Fact: The original cage size minimum put forth by the hamster community was 360 square inches. This was based on the size of a 20 gallon long aquarium, one of the largest and most popular cages at the time. 

Niteangel Bigger World

Niteangel Bigger World

Niteangel Bigger World

Buy on Amazon*

Niteangel Vista

Niteangel Bigger World

Niteangel Bigger World

Buy on Amazon*

Niteangel Cages

Pros

  • Clear section is actually plastic (less cracking risk and lighter)
  • Available in three large sizes
  • Several colour options
  • Easy to assemble
  • Vista offers lots of height for large wheels
  • Available on Amazon

Cons

  • Price ($175+)
  • Chewable for destructive hamsters

40 Gallon Breeder Tank

Pros

  • $55 during the Petco sale (plus tank lid)
  • Able to see your hamster easily
  • Able to use lots of bedding for burrowing
  • Able to be as creative as you like
  • All large wheels will fit
  • Easy to clean out with a dust pan
  • Provides a large cage space for lots of toys!

Cons

  • Heavy (58 lbs when empty)
  • Expensive if you don't buy on sale ​($119)
  • Will require a screen top
  • Will require something sturdy to sit on

Tank Cage FAqs

What type of aquarium should 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 should 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 will 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.

Niteangel Glass Pet Cage

Living World Green Moving Habitat

Living World Green Moving Habitat

Exo-Terra Terrarium

Exo-Terra Terrarium

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