Rat Rescue

Question
Hi There,
I have rescued many different animals but last night I rescued my first rat. He was brought to a pet store I was at and left with a note saying that his previous owner had lost his job and couldn't afford to take care of him anymore. To keep a long story short, the box he came in had
blood spatter on the walls and the box itself was pretty chewed up. I volunteered to take him as soon as I saw how bad off the little (or rather large) guy was. So I guess I need several questions answered.

The rat is a large white male with pink eyes. He has all his toes and he scratches alot. He has the scabs that go with it. I wanted some advice on that but I'm also looking for the best possible advice you have to offer on what I need to do to make sure he's well cared for. For today and tomorrow I have him in a large plastic tote with a box, spring water and food. I have read a ton of stuff online today as I have zero experience with rats but I really want to give this guy the best chance possible to have a good life. I read that I need to get a food other that the hamster/gerbil food I picked up last night, I read that rats nibble so I'm too nervous to pick him up right now but I pet him and he seems to especially like being rubbed on the head between the ears. I gave him some wooden rodent blocks, some corn husk to shred, and I gave him two grapes. One grape he gobbled up right away, and the second he stashed.
He is a little on the chunky side so I'm not sure what his diet consisted of previously. Do you recommend the lab rat blocks I've read so much about?
I know this seems a bit long and perhaps a bit all over the place but I'm quite concerned about setting him up properly. I have a 40 gallon breeder tank in storage that I will transfer him to in a a day or so. It measures 36x18x16. Is this sufficient room for him? I live alone except for my other animals so it's fairly peaceful around here, I'm hoping that'll help his adjustment. Can you please help me? I'll take whatever advice you have to offer? I really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kim & Tooey in Ohio

Answer
I have all the info you ever need on my website, starting with the proper cage to use, bedding to use, food to feed etc....this should keep you super busy once you get on my site.  LOL  I made if for new rat owners and veterans alike.  

I am happy you took him, he will be a grateful pet trust me, rats know when they are loved!!

The blood you saw in the box wasnt blood, which you will read about on my site under the page HELP! MY RATS EYES AND NOSE ARE BLEEDING!

Let me know if you got on ok and next we can talk about vets you will need to have for future use.  I suspect his diet has been bad which is why he may be full of scabs, but he could have mites too, which means a vet visit.

I see your in Ohio (my native state) and there are many good exotic vets throughout the Buckeye state so let me know where you are (I was sandwiched between Cleveland and Pittsburgh!) and I dont miss the snow you all are having.  YUCK!  I am in sunny 50 degree NC right now:)

Here is the URL to my website, Critter City! Hope it helps all of your questions:'

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/gettingstarted.htm