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Hello - I am a new turtle owner as of Oct. 2007. I was walking around China Town (in California) and I was so upset to see these tiny turtles sitting in this little plastic container with I HAVE no idea what they were feeding them. I felt soo bad and I wanted to save one. Well- went out that night and bought a glass bowl from ROSS for now to keep him in... put a rock in and put my desk lamp over him.

Well- I am a major researcher and realized after a week that I should get something a little bigger so I bought a 3 gal tank and got a docking station and put a rock in there and replaced the desk lamp with a basking UVB lamp- then after more research I knew I needed to stop the little upgrades as he gets bigger and finally went on craigslist and bought a 40gal tank with everything.

One of my girl friends and I the month prior just got back from Costa Rica where we saw the turtles... and decided to name him Manuel... "Manny" for short.

So thats how I have become a Turtle Owner.

That's awesome! Welcome to turtle-hood. If you're still looking for any information, you can go to the main site attached to this forum. It's got everything you need.

http://www.redearslider.com/index.html

I love how you say "from newbie to beginner". What a great way to put it! Welcome to the board.

I love your story as it sounds just like mine. I too went to China Town in Los Angeles and my 4year old and myself had to save a couple of these sweet little babies. And here we are 3 months later with a 30 gal tank and all the goodies to go with it. Who knew they would be so entertaining for the entire family and a couple of our neighbors as well!
What part of Cali do you live in?

Welcome and great job about the upgrades for your baby. Would love to see pics!!

Welcome! Sounds like Manny hit the jackpot!

Thanks for all your nice comments! Yes i will certainly be asking many questions!

Here are a few pics of him:

His first little tiny bowl:


Second little plastic tank:


Final 40 Gal Tank with his little buddies:

It's amazing how he was balancing on that sharp rock!! He's so cute though!