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Hey everyone,

There's a big reptile expo/sale this weekend where I live. For the past couple months, I have been doing extensive research on RES, and planned on buying my setup at the show since there will most likely be some good deals. I emailed the people who run the expo about a month ago and asked if there would be any RES hatchlings there. They said most likely not, so I planned on JUST buying what supplies I could/want at the sale, and then order the turtle online after a couple weeks of having the tank setup. However, I guess now there MIGHT be some baby RES there, in which case I'd much rather pick one out in person vs. risk getting one shipped. But my questions are: a.) how/where can I keep the turtle housed while I'm setting up his new home? and b.) I have heard/read that you need to give a new tank/supplies about two weeks before adding a turtle. Is this absolutely necessary? If so, how/where on earth could I house him somewhere more safe than a new tank?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'd probably want to get equipment online and the turtle in person. You can transport the turtle in a small box or plastic storage bin. Even a shoe box will be big enough for a hatchling... I would line it with newspaper or a paper towels.

You don't need to have a setup 2 weeks prior but the main thing is water temperatures... don't mess it up. Everything is important, but the other stuff can wait another day or two.