Larger Tank

Corner tanks have a much smaller volume relative to their length at the front than rectangular ones which greatly restricts the fish you can keep in them. They are also expensive relative to capacity.

Bow-fronted tanks are OK, but again they seem to be expensive compared to standard ones of the same size. I guess it depends on how fussy you are about looks.

I think that it is quite difficult to advise on what would constitute a good tank for someone else. Just as if you told me you wanted a car that can seat four adults comfortably I could ask a hundred other questions to try and narrow down the field, the same can be said for tanks.

One way of looking at is, is there a particular type of fish you would really like to house? That way you can check the minimum tank size on Seriously Fish or on here and work from there. You'll also be constrained by budget and the size that can fit in your room.

Corner tanks do have their drawbacks, but they do fit well in most rooms. I also like the look of bowfronted tanks, but again Sue and Richard point out the downsides.

My biggest constraint is finding a larger tank that my wife will let me buy. I have an aquanano 40 and she thinks its huge, and I suppose it is compared to bowl she used to keep goldfish in.

If I were to buy a larger tank (unhindered by the better half) I would work out what size tank I could fit in the space I want to fill and then scope out some models that fit the bill. I would then keep my eyes peeled on Gumtree and eBay for the best deal I can find. The more money you can save on the tank the more money you can spend kitting it out. Filters, lights, substrate, plants, décor, etc. all cost money and the more you can save on the tank, the more easy it is to justify spending on the other bits and bobs!

Thanks everyone.  I have an idea where it would go, so I'll measure that space.

I never even thought about the height thing, but that's a good point.  I'm only 4'11", so I'll probably have to put it on the floor if I want to reach!! 

That was my next thought.  But actually, me and hubby usually do the water changes together, it seems a bit easier with two people.  I'm in charge of the suction thingy, he's in charge of the bucket!

So I could just stand on the step and suction, and give directions, while he runs around with buckets of water!  Sounds Ok to me!