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complete noob here, i've never owned a turtle, but am finding this site and forum quite useful.

so i got my first turtle ever, maybe two hours ago, and am pretty paranoid that something will go wrong.

he (or she) has been swimming around the tank, but pretty much hides around the bottom of a plant, and has yet to come up on the turtle dock. i understand nervousness, is it normal, or...

Greetings and Salutations! You've got about the newest turtle on the forum I do believe!

It is perfectly normal for your turtle to be nervous. It will probably be a week before he calms down. It's all strange and scary for him right now. When he gets used to the place, he'll consider coming out to bask - but probably not when he knows you're around! When he gets really confident - and realizes you're the one that feeds him - he'll relax even more and eventually he'll bask right in front of you and do all sorts of cute turtly things. It's good you've got the plant in the tank for him to hide in. That will make him feel more secure.

How big is he?

Like SpotsMama said, a plant to hide in is good. Other options could be a flower pot turned on its side (big enough your turt can get inside), a piece of pvc pipe, or anything else that is good to hide in. He'll probably want a safe spot. Also, don't be surprised if he doesn't eat for a few days, it's completely normal.

well thanks for the advice, ill keep it in mind!