A tank for gerbils: finally giving them something to dig
A glass tank is the only habitat genuinely suited to gerbils, these little desert rodents: a tank of at least 100 × 40 × 50 cm filled with 30 cm of diggable substrate. In a conventional barred cage, a gerbil scratches frantically at the corners and kicks litter everywhere; in a tank, it builds real tunnel networks, its single most important natural behaviour.
Why do gerbils need to dig?
In the wild, the Mongolian gerbil lives in tunnel systems several metres long. Depriving the animal of this activity triggers a well-known stereotypic behaviour: compulsive corner-scratching, both exhausting and anxiety-inducing. The golden rule is simple: more substrate than empty space. Plan on at least 25 to 30 cm of depth, mixing plant-based litter with hay so the tunnels hold their shape.
What dimensions for a pair of gerbils?
- Minimum footprint: 100 × 40 cm for two gerbils (they live in pairs).
- Height: 50 cm or more, to combine deep substrate with surface space.
- Mesh lid essential: ventilation and escape prevention.
- Budget: 80 to 200 € for a second-hand tank or old aquarium, 150 to 300 € new.
What substrate should go in the tank?
A mix of hemp bedding or flax with hay and a little ink-free paper produces stable tunnels. Avoid softwood shavings, which are irritating: our guide to safe bedding details the options. Add a sand bath corner, essential for coat care.
How should you set up the surface?
Above the tunnels, install a solid wheel of 25 to 28 cm, roots to gnaw on, a wooden house resting on the substrate (never plastic — gerbils chew everything) and a flat stone under the food bowl. All our comparisons are on the Planète Pets rodent hub.
Frequently asked questions
Will an old aquarium do the job?
Yes, it is even the cheapest solution (often 30 to 80 € second-hand). Check for cracks and build a made-to-measure mesh lid.
How often should a gerbil tank be cleaned?
Rarely: a full clean every 4 to 8 weeks is enough, because destroying the tunnels is highly stressful for gerbils. Simply remove the toilet corner every week.
Can you use a barred cage with a deep base?
Hybrid "gerbilariums" (glass base + mesh top section) are a good compromise as long as the base is at least 30 cm deep.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Rodents universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.