If you have a pet hamster or are interested in getting one, it’s essential to know what size tank is best. One of the questions you may ask yourself is whether or not a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank is big enough for a hamster.
A 20-gallon tank is usually big enough for a hamster. However, a bigger size (like 30, 40, or even 50 gallons/113.56, 151.41, 189.27 L) is often better if you want your hamster to have lots of space for exploration. Some hamsters aren’t as active, and a 20 or even 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank is ok.
Understanding tank sizing and which is the most appropriate choice is essential if you’re a hamster owner. Keep reading this article to learn everything you need to know!
How Many Hamsters Should Go in a 20-Gallon Tank?
Although two dwarf hamsters can fit in a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank, it’s best to only have one in this size tank.
According to the Animal Humane Society, a 15-gallon (56.78 L) tank is the minimum recommended size for one hamster, and a 30-gallon (113.56 L) tank is the minimum recommended size for two. Therefore, you should avoid putting more than one hamster in a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank.
Is a 10-Gallon Tank Big Enough for a Hamster?
A 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank isn’t big enough for a hamster in most cases. You should only keep a hamster in a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank if you know them well and realize they’re shy or lazy and prefer small spaces.
Since most hamsters like to explore their tank and be active for hours, they must have plenty of space. As mentioned in the previous section, you should aim for a minimum size of 15 gallons (56.78 L) unless you’re confident your hamster prefers small spaces.
Some people might start with a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank to get to know their hamster and see how it reacts. In the future, they may upgrade the tank to a larger size based on the hamster’s behavior.
Can a Hamster Live in a 10-Gallon Tank?
A hamster can live in a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank, but it might not enjoy it very much. Since there is limited space in a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank, a hamster won’t have as much freedom to run around, climb, and explore.
A dwarf hamster would be slightly more comfortable in a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank than a Syrian hamster, but it’s still not an ideal size.
Here’s When It’s Appropriate To Use a 20-Gallon Hamster Tank
Below are the two main situations where a 20-gallon (75.70 L) hamster tank is an appropriate choice:
If Your Hamster Is Moderately Active
A moderately active hamster won’t have enough space in a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank, but it’ll likely have too much space in a 30, 40, or 50-gallon (113.56, 151.41, 189.27 L) one. Therefore, a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank is an ideal size in this instance.
A 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank offers enough room for light exploration but not so much that the hamster becomes overwhelmed. Of course, you’ll need to get to know your hamster first before determining whether or not it’s active. Once you’ve gotten to know your hamster a little better and see that it’s slightly active, you’ll know that a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank is a good choice.
If You’re Looking for an Affordable Choice
A 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank is less costly than larger sizes because there’s less material. Therefore, it’s an excellent choice if money is tight, but you still want to give your hammy enough space to roam around comfortably.
Still, money shouldn’t be the only consideration because there’s no point in buying a cheaper tank only for it to be too small for your new hamster. If you know your hamster will be highly energetic and need a bigger tank, but money is an issue, consider saving until you can purchase the most appropriate size.
Here’s When You Shouldn’t Use a 20-Gallon Hamster Tank
Below are the main situations where a 20-gallon (75.70 L) hamster tank is not the best choice:
If Your Hamster Is Highly Energetic
Many hamsters enjoy exploring their tanks because that is where they spend most of their day. Here are some examples of the activities they get up to daily:
- Climbing
- Playing with toys
- Burying things
- Running in a wheel
Additionally, it’s in a hamster’s nature to explore because they do the same thing in the wild. In fact, wild hamsters often travel many miles each night in their natural habitats, so it’s no surprise that a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank isn’t always the best choice for an energetic domesticated hammy.
If your hamster is currently in a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank and seems distressed with lots of energy to burn, consider upgrading to a larger size and see if it fixes the problem.
If Your Hamster Is Extremely Lazy or Shy
You shouldn’t use a 20-gallon (75.70 L) hamster tank if your hamster prefers to lie in the same spot and avoid human/animal contact. In this instance, a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank could be too large, so a 10 or 15-gallon (37.85 or 56.78 L) model would be better.
Some shy and lazy hamsters feel more comfortable in smaller spaces and could get stressed if they have too much space in the tank. If your hammy is currently in a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank and seems content and happy, consider leaving it there rather than disturbing the peace by upsizing the tank to a 20-gallon (75.70 L).
What To Do When a 20-Gallon Hamster Tank Is Too Small
A 20-gallon (75.70 L) hamster tank is likely too small for a super energetic hamster and most Syrian hamsters because they’re larger than dwarfs. So, you might ask yourself what to do if you realize that your current 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank is too small.
When a 20-gallon (75.70 L) hamster tank is too small, the best thing to do is to upsize it as soon as possible. Different cage sizes are available, and it’s often better to opt for the biggest size possible.
For example, you might have just realized that a 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank is too small for your active Syrian hamster. In that instance, you should go with a 30-gallon (113.56 L) tank. This tank size will give it much more space for daily activities, allowing it to burn energy more efficiently.
Hamster Tank Size Recommendations Table
Below is a table demonstrating the different hamster tank sizes and in which situations they’re appropriate choices:
| Tank/cage size | When this size is appropriate for a hamster |
| 10 gallons (37.85 L) | Usually only appropriate for one dwarf hamster or one inactive or shy Syrian hamster. Not big enough for the average hamster. |
| 15 gallons (56.78 L) | A decent size for one lazy to moderately active hamster. |
| 20 gallons (75.70 L) | A good size for a moderately active hamster. |
| 30 gallons (113.56 L) | A good size for an active hamster or two lazy to moderately active hammies. |
| 40 gallons (151.41 L) | A decent size for a hamster that likes to explore and is highly active or two hamsters. |
| 50 gallons (189.27 L) | Appropriate for hamsters that are highly active and that need the most amount of space possible. It’s also a good choice to house two hamsters in this tank size. |
Consider the Height of the Tank
Regardless of your tank size, it’s essential to consider the height. For example, one 20-gallon (75.70 L) tank could be extremely tall, while another might be shallower. It’s best to go with a 20-gallon or 75.70 L (or another sized) tank that’s shallow rather than tall to make the most of the space.
However, if you have no choice but to stick with a taller tank, you must adequately utilize the space. Do this by placing tall climbing equipment in the cage, so your hamster has plenty of room to use and burn energy.
Conclusion
A 20-gallon tank is a good choice for a relatively active hamster, but many hammies would benefit from a bigger tank. Consider upsizing to a 30, 40, or 50-gallon (113.56, 151.41, 189.27 L) tank if your hamster would benefit from the extra space.
Hamsters that are particularly lazy or shy are often okay to remain in a 10-gallon (37.85 L) tank.