N. Wennerae/ Damselfish- 14g Biocube vs 29g Biocube

[finkjor123]

Hello Reefcentral,
Over the past few weeks of researching mantis shrimp and how to keep them, I have come across a dilemma. I would like to have a basic tank setup with a N. Wennerae mantis, and a yellow tail damsel, but I cannot decide whether or not I should buy the 29 gallon biocube, or stay with my originally planned 14 gallon biocube. I will be buying liverock from tbsaltwater as I live nearby, and in addition to whatever creatures hitchhike on the rock, I will be adding blue legged hermits and possibly a turbo snail to help with waste management. So essentially my debate is whether or not I should spend the extra money for the 29 gallon and all of the additional expenses (more liverock, sand, water, salt, etc.) or if the 14 gallon will allow me to comfortably keep these specimens. I will not be expanding, as I will be going to college in less than 2 years, and will not be getting overly involved as I have allot of commitments. I will keep it at the two specimens, and I realize it is very possible that the damsel will be eaten. I have heard smaller tanks can be troublesome with water issues, but with just these hardy specimens will it really be that much harder than a 29 gallon? At this moment I see no reason to spend the additional money if I don't need to, but I work two jobs, so I could afford the 29 if I waited a little longer. I know I will be criticized for wanting the damselfish in there with the mantis, but I want something I can see once in a while incase my mantis goes MIA all the time in the rock. I would like to have the larger tank, but I cannot justify spending the money if I do not need to, or have a good reason to. Thanks for all the responses on other posts, I think I have all expenses planned for and the know how to setup and run the tank thanks to you guys, so help me out here. Thank you guys, and if the damsel is really a bad idea, is there anything else that would add vitality and give me something to view when the mantis is hiding? Thanks alot guys! Also- how much liverock should I add to give me a fair chance at seeing the mantis, and give the damsel some room to swim. How much sand for a 2 inch substrate layer?