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Housing Hamsters Aquariums
One of the most important factors to consider when keeping hamsters is their housing. This is the home or cage they are to occupy for the rest of their life. Your considerations must be given to their health and well being. Contrary to pet store lore and the belief of many aquariums do not make a good habitat for a hamster. The quality of air and circulation in aquariums are very poor and in the long term may have a detrimental effect on the health of your hamster. The air quality in the bottom of the aquarium degrades, this is one of many reasons serious consideration should be given. The glass sides of aquariums restrict air flow and keeps heat and moisture in. Hamsters kept in aquariums are prone to respiratory infections and illness.
Take into consideration that any type of tank or container that is be used for this purpose should be of the correct dimensions. The height of the sides should = the size of the base. When using aquariums this is not the case. Aquariums have deeper sides than of the base. If the base is 12" (30.5cm) wide then the height of the sides should be no more than that of the base.
Hamsters prefer a good circulation of air. Condensation and humidity can very quickly build up in the base of the tank, this in turn can foster a breeding ground for bacteria. Humidity and bacteria from the urine and trapped food particles are a direct cause of aspergillus fungus. Aspergillus spores are unseen and can be deadly.
Housing Hamsters Aquariums
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