Mdngt- I've probably said it before, but I love that pearl gourami in your avatar!
I've got a female pearl that I've had for a year or so. She's real sweet, but kind of stand-offish unless it's feeding time.
I hear you on the 40b, but I've got an itch to do a single oscar in a 55g. I realize this is bare minimum for tank sizes, but he/she would have it to themselves..