Ok so my kids went to fair and came home with 2 goldfish and a very small and yes illegal sized red ear slider! The goldfish were easy I set them up in my 36g quarantine tank. The RES is definitely more worrying. he spent the first day in the stupid little 1 gallon critter cage. That I kept warm with a heating pad under it on low, while getting some things cleaned up/purchased and and ready for his temporary home.
Keep in mind I have been keeping fish for years and I have only fish stuff in my house. So after doing some reading I set him up as best I could until I can either order stuff in or get to the nearest pet store that is over an hour away and with 5 young and very busy kids that is usually only once a month.
So my very basic set up right now and I know I don't have everything yet but the little guy is in a 25g plastic bin (I read that something with solid color sides was less stressful than glass) filled to about 10in deep a hang on back filter rated to 40 gallons, with cycled filter material, a heater that I don't remember the wattage on, but is rated for a 55g. It's what I have in the house. I tossed in a crap tun of water wisteria Which he seems to love floating on. I built up a few bricks and smooth rocks and so he can get out of the water.
So I guess my question is will he be okay until I can get him the rest of what he needs later this week. What kind of food would be best to order. And the lighting I am so confused on. I know he needs the UV lighting but I keep seeing people talk about percentages of UVB so how do I know whats the right one for a tiny turtle? Remember I know basically nothing about turtles past when cared for properly they can live a long, long time and that I have just taken on a major responsibility! Any help you can give would be great! I really wanna do this right.