Sorry it didn't work out with the turtle. Turtles are NOT easy creatures to raise in captivity. I have a pair of Red earreds, and both were rescued from a very tiny size. They have thrived, and are quickly outgrowing the tank...not to mention getting a bit amorous with each other! Scooby...I have to disagree with the heating situation. RES are warm climate turtles, and and do need warmth in order to properly digest (and eat) food. I feed mine earthworms a treat, Reptomin, and dark leafy greens mainly. If you Google Red-eared Sliders there's a wealth of info available. Here's one site I have bookmarked.
http://www.resoasis.com/