new to the mantis game

[NoobReefer2002]

I want to start off with my first tank to be a mantis reef. What do you guys reccomend for a decent size tank... Trying to stay small.. i have a 18"x26" surface to place the tank with now weight restrictions... What all do i need to have a good setup befor i get the lil bugger. or buggers.. Is it possible to have two of them because that is what i really want is a pair and some liverock and a bit of coral. I know to get acrylic and not glass. I saw a video clip of on in a office. that is just what i want...

 

[Glove]

Well.. a mantis with some shrooms and zoas would be easily accomplished with a HOB flter and a decent PC light. If you look into filters and heaters before hand, you may be able to find a heater that will fit in the HOB flter (if your slick!) This will keep your mantis from possibly bangng on the heater if its in the tank.
I would stick to soft corals. 18 x26 sounds like a 20 galon tall aquarium and that would allow room for a fish or two.
Its not reccomended to have 2 in the same tank though.