Tank dilemma

[Ste_J]

Well thanks to this site my tank is starting to look somewhat healthier so thank you all.
Earlier this week i was getting some advice from maestro about my new setup and one thing that was mentioned was to go for a larger tank although my tank didn't turn out to be as small as i first thought but it did get my mind ticking
So today i found myself rooting around in the garage and i came by a tank that was left there by a friend some time ago and after a quick measure it turns out to be larger than the one i currently have by 7 gals.
Dilema is do i change the tanks over or is it not going to be worth while? the tank in the garage requires a hood which i have found for £29

Current tank

Dimensions: 80cm L x 30cm W x 40cm H/31" L x 12" W x 16" H
Volume: 96 l./21 gal.
Volume after displacement: 86 l./19 gal.
Surface area: 0.24 sq m/2.58 sq ft

Tank in garage

Dimensions: 91cm L x 30cm W x 46cm H/36" L x 12" W x 18" H
Volume: 127 l./28 gal.
Volume after displacement: 115 l./25 gal.
Surface area: 0.28 sq m/3.00 sq ft

My stock consists of 5 platies, 2 swordtails a small rainbow shark that has done a runner 2 Chinese Algae Eaters and 3 small clowns. Now i know that i may have an issue down the line with the Algae eaters and the clowns and as such if need be i am prepared to let go of the suckers but i would like to keep the clowns for as long as possible.

My readings are all doing well even though i made a few mistakes at the start (did not cycle and my tank has been running for about a month)

pH 7.2 nitrite 0 nitrate 0 ammonia 0 CO2 15.143
Light supplied by 2 arcadia 18w with reflectors (trying to find hagen lifeglo)
fluval 4 (thinking of switching to a cannister)

So is it going to be worth looking at switching for the extra 7 gals?

 

[enchanted]

You are comparing a 29 Gallon tank to a 38 Gallon tank, so of course the bigger one would be better, but why not setup both? You found a hood for 29 so all you are looking at is a heater, filter, and substrate. Not a lot of cost overall more than what you have already figured.


Clowns get up to 12"+ in size so the longer tank will definitely be better for them, but not a permanent home.

The rest of your fish would love the additional swimming space, but dont' require it.

 

[Ste_J]

I don't think that my wife would be too happy with having 2 tanks especially since she is not a fish lover
Looking at the options i reckon that the bigger tank will be coming out of the garage this weekend and getting a good clean, i also have a 15l that i can use to store my stock whilst the change over is taking place.
As to the bigger picture i will be looking to go for a 4 or 5ft early next year under the heading of "birthday treat"

At least my weekend is sorted out now and hopefully my stock shouldn't take the move badly.

Thanks for the input