Will you share RES habitat ideas with me

I brought home a male red-eared slider and unfortunately, due to the circumstances, I was unprepared. I immediately bought a 29 gallon tank (not ideal, but it will have to do until early next year after I move), an underwater heater and a floating thermometer. Right now he is in there with some stacked bricks for basking and about 10" of water (much better than his previous abode in a 10 gallon tank!) I'm borrowing a heat lamp. I've ordered some products from petsmart (free shipping special right now)! My original plan was to set up a 'basking' platform in the light at one end and another platform at the other end that is 'private'.but now I'm concerned that might take up too much space-I want him to have lots of swimming room. Should I just make his basking spot his 'hideaway' as well? Can his hideaway be under water? I'd love to hear what you have done, especially with limited space such as a 30 gallon tank.

ok. first of all, unless you really need the aestheitic appeal, lose anything on the bottom the the tank. turtles are dirty and its going to be such a pain to keep anything you put on the bottom clean. as the turtle gets bigger, you can judge if you need a bigger tank. they get about 8 inches in diameter usually , so expect to need to upgrade as it grows.

you're definately going to need a filter- any petstore will be able to help you ith the size appropriate one for your turtle.

get a floating dock from the store as well, or you can build up some land for them to bask on with slate (cleaned and stuff).