Which am I better off buying?

[KidBluey]

So I did a little bit of measuring in my room today and I've been looking on craigslist for deals on used aquariums. I'm mostly finding 55 gallon aquariums with stands for up $140. I am having the absolute worst luck finding a 75 gallon though and for the 75 gallons I have found, they are ALWAYS $250 and up o.0.

Which enclosure would be better to buy? A 55 gallon aquarium with a stand which measures 48"Lx13"Dx20"H or a 40 gallon breeder? The 55 gallon offers a greater length but the 40 gallon breeder has a greater depth. I really would like a 48x18 enclosure at the most but those prices are ridiculous and there's no petco in my area so I wouldn't be able to attend the $1 a gallon sale.

[Spindown]

Personally I have 40 gals for my skinks...I feel that my 55 gal is much too narrow. I want to upgrade to 75 at some point but 40 gals seem to bw the minimum requirement

[Bird_Brain]

40 gal breeder has a larger foot print than a 55 gal. That is why I hate using gals to determine which tank is larger. You would think a 55gal would be better due to it holding more gals, however, a 40 breeder has 1/2 sq ft more floor space than the 55.

[reaperreptiles]

40 gallon