33 gallon long

If it's going to be a temporary home for the CLs, I see nothing wrong with it...I would just make sure there is plenty of flow, they need water with high levels of dissolved oxygen in it.

One filter on a 4' tank is bound to have some dead spots. I would make sure there is at least a bubble wall (cheapest option to add more O2) but even better would be a powerhead on the end opposite the filter. A Koralia style "circulation pump" rather than a true powerhead (like a Maxi-jet) would be my first choice.

How heavily will you be planting the tank? If planting heavily (I assume you are planting it because you're getting lights beyond the standard fluorescents, sounds like) an AC 50 could be fine, but if not, then go with the AC 70. It has a lot more room for media and higher flow. You might also just want to go with a canister filter, such as those white Chinese ones:
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-EXTERNAL-CANISTER-FILTER-MEDIA-KIT-265-GPH-/190551628736

The main advantage to having a taller tank is the extra dilution for the wastes of the fish. It also makes the water more stable...temperature, pH etc. will change more gradually on a tank with 22 extra gallons.

I would stock it like a 40 gallon tank, and if you have an option to get a 40 gallon for not much more, I'd go with it. A 33 is a size that's not readily available, I believe the 40 longs are more common, so it will likely be less expensive in spite of the extra volume...but not sure on that.

What kind of lights are you considering? Any ideas on the fish besides the clown loaches? Danios, rasboras and white clouds could all work :) Or, barbs might also fit in nicely.
 
Platytudes,

I have a school of Harlequin Rasboras that I will be putting with the clowns. Also, some ghost shrimp, which I'm surprised my clowns don't eat -- or at least, haven't yet.

In terms of plants and lights, I would like to have the tank fairly planted, but I'm still learning the process for keeping more challenging live plants. I'm not sure what sort of light or plants would be best. If you have any advice on that, I'd be happy to absorb it from you (or other posters) Thats why I'm here!

Right now, I just have the standard flourescent, with a couple of low light plants -- a java fern and an anubias. What sort of investment would it require to grow more demanding plants?

The 40 gallon long is roughly $30 more than the 33 gallon long, so that is another option.

What is the difference between the powerhead and the circulation pump?
 
I've got to leave in a minute, but I'll be back on later tonight with a more detailed post. Basically, the difference is that most powerheads were originally made to power undergravel filters, so they have a part that fits into a lift tube:
http://www.connecticutvalleybiological.com/images/A2295-2298.maxi-jet.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21WQ+Zdx6CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
You can still use them to stick on the side of your tank and simply create flow, but those suction cups don't hold up forever, and a clamp can be awkward. There are better options if that's all you are trying to do.

Also, the gph is usually not as much as in the circulation pumps, such as the Koralia:
http://glassbox-design.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/hydor-koralia-evo.jpg
Which also has a wonderful magnetic attachment vs. a suction cup. One side goes on the outside of your glass, one side goes on the inside, and voila! It will never fall off.

Other brands, such as Aqueon, have recently started making these also:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/images/presentation/249122.jpg

Ok, that's probably the main difference...but also, the pumps usually run much more efficiently, and I'd say quieter too. They have a different design, a propeller vs. an impeller. They really have created a revolution in water circulation in the aquarium hobby.
 
Thank you - I ordered the Nano 425. Should get it sometime next week. Will put it in the current 20 long until I get this new 33 or 40, hopefully in the next week or two.
 
Please pics when your done!
 
Sure thing! Once I get the Nano 425 all set up I will take some pictures to share. Someone will have to let me know how to post them though!
 
Nano 425 is supposed to be delivered today!

Also ordered an Aquaclear 70 yesterday, which will be for the new tank, but I want to get it up and running on my 20 long so that it doesn't need to cycle once I get the 33 or 40.
 
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