BP n00b with some questions

[Lolo76]

Should I remove the hide while feeding? Also, I could get a 2.5' from a rescue, would I want to put him in the 16q for a while or just right away in the 42qt

I'd start with the smaller tub, since they might feel too exposed in a 42qt at that age/size... I started all my young'uns in 15qts, moved them to 32qt at around 500g, and then 42qt for those over 1000g (and one boy who likes his space). My biggest girls don't have hides, since they simply don't fit into any - at least not ones that would fit in their tubs - but my others have at least one. I don't remove the hides for feeding, since they love to "ambush" from inside... just a personal preference, but it does seem to help with the shy feeders. And it definitely won't hurt them to strike from the hide, at least not in my experiences.