Can a Guinea Pig, Dwarf Rabbit, or Rat be kept in a 10 Gallon glass aquarium?

Question

The aquarium won't have a top on it, it will be uncovered. Oh, and if you should not keep any of them in a 10 Gallon glass aquarium, would a bigger aquarium make a difference?

O, and I don't own any of these animals. I'm just thinking about getting one of them. I already own a 10 gallon tank, so I just wanted to know if I get one, do I have to buy a new cage?

I own two gerbils already! Happy(lilac) and Autumn(agouti)!

Answer 1

It might be big enough for a guinea pig, but not a rabbit or rat. All cages should be covered and enclosed, so you would need to put a top on it. You can get nice metal and screen tops for 10 gallon aquariums for (usually) under $10. I would not keep a rabbit in any glass aquarium. A larger one (20 gallon) would be better for a guinea pig, and ideal for a rat.

Answer 2

Would you want to spend your entire life in something that small? Imagine yourself in something that is only a body length longer than yourself. It's wrong, and you know it, or you wouldn't ask. You absolutely can not put rodents and small mammals in glass tanks. It has already been said in the other answers. Glass tanks do not get the ventilation needed, even if there is not lid. Guinea pigs need a lot of space. They can't climb, so they need a long cage or hutch, and it should really be several feet long if possible. The cage should be one of those metal bar cages that attach to a plastic base, as these provide excellent ventilation and are much easier to clean than tanks. The guinea pigs you see in pet stores are babies. Look up a picture of a full grown guinea pig- they get huge. They wouldn't even be able to turn around in a ten gallon tank without some difficulty. They need a large, very long, ventilated cage. They need a large water bottle with a spring in it so it can't drip. They consume a lot of water, and their bedding becomes filthy fast as a result. Expect frequent changes, multiple times a week. They need a mix of pellets, alfalfa, timothy hay, and frequent treats. They need a partner, because they are herd animals. They need to spayed/neutered. They need medical care. They must be allowed out of the cage for at least an hour a day. That is a difficult commitment to keep, but if you can't do it then you shouldn't get one. They need a large house, because they love houses. They need to be bathed occasionally, and their claws clipped frequently (finger nails clippers are fine, but clip them like a cats or dogs and don't hit the wick). They will need occasional bene-bac for their bellies. When they get old, they will need vet care or euthanasia. They cannot run in a wheel or a ball because of their backs. They cannot be given amoxicillin.

Answer 3

mrs phas gave you a good guinea pig cage site. Think about it... would you want to live in a glass house in your own urine? Now multiply that by 10 b/c of a guinea pigs small respiratory systems. Your animal, which ever it is, will not live long in an aquarium. It will get a respiratory and die. Aquariums have no ventilation, even with no top it would still be dangerous.
A cheaper, better cage for a guinea pig can be made. guineapigcages.com can give you instructions.

Answer 4

Well, it can be done with a rat but I don't advise it. Aquariums don't let much air in with a screen top, and an open top is just a big, blinking, neon sign saying "Get something tall and climb out!" to your animal. I had gerbils (two of them) who lived in a 30 gallon aquarium for 6 years. (I got them when I was six.) I don't have much experience with a Guinea Pig or a Dwarf Rabbit, but I doubt it. They need more space. My rat was housed in an aquarium for about a month when I got her. She did fine. C=

Answer 5

A 10 gallon would be ok for a mouse, hamster or gerbil. Guinea pigs need at least 3feetx3feet. Rabbits also need at least that much room, and they would kick and break the glass--never glass for a rabbit! A rat would be squished and would climb out.

Answer 6

I would suggest getting a 20 gallon tank and covering it. I have a Chinese Dwarf Hamster named Kiwi and once I forgot to put the lid on her cage and she almost got out. I use a 10 gallon tank but Dwarf hamsters are much smaller than a guinea pig, dwarf rabbit, or a rat. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Answer 7

none should be kept, and the rat would climb out if your not going to have a top on it. if you got a bigger aquarium w/ a screen top you could keep a rat. otherwise if you want the 10 gal. i'd look at gerbils, hamsters, or mice. all of which are great pets. or maybe a reptile or amphibian....

Answer 8

non of them should be kept in any kind of aquaria
aquariums are for fish

seriously all of them would suffer from a build up of ammonia, even without a top on. the rat would soon escape and the guine pig/ rabbit wouldnt be able to move much or have any privacy

this would be suitalble for 2 dwarf rabbit or 2 guinea pig [ dont keep both together whatever anyone tells you] dont keep a lone one get two same sex
http://www.guineapigcages.com/howto.htm

and this for rats [ plural again dont keep one on its own, same sex friends please]
http://www.petcentreonline.co.uk/ecommerce/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=270

hope that helps

Answer 9

That is what we started with and eventually moved up to a 20 gallon. Without a top is fine for the guinea pig, but not for the rat or rabbit.

Answer 10

i dont think any of these animals should be kept in an aquarium. if you already have these animals or if your gettind them go to cavycages.com and it will show you how the make an appropriate size cage for cheap. good luck!