I have had the same problems historically with my hamsters. We have them both in glass aquariums now, fit with wheels and other distractions. You are right, the wheels can squeak badly. We have the metal wheels and our hamsters love them. We do get a little relief from the squeaking by using vegetable spray (PAM) on the wheel. You have to respray about every two or three weeks, but it definitely helps.
My trouble with the hamsters is that they really do want to get out all the time. We laugh at their antics. They stretch and strain trying to reach the lid of the cage. A word of warning for you with the aquarium set up.. we put tubes and "treehouse" attachments through the aquarium lids to give them something to climb on and one of our bright stars, Phoebe, wedged herself between the tube and the wall of the aquarium and proceeded to chew a hole through the lid and escape! We covered it with layers of duct tape and she did it again. We had to "discipline" her by taking away her privledges of having the tube and treehouse. I hated it, but couldn't risk her continuing to get out of the cage.
Sorry to go on and on. Just wanted to let you know of our experience.