i am happy to report that once ernie got a new home, he got right in and started exploring. hes got a 10 gallon tank and a food and water shell w sponges and a climbing stick. once he finishes molting we are thinking about getting him a friend. still havent figured out if he is really a him. but he did change shells right before he moved to his new tank. hes out of the painted shell and into a natural shell.