If you're interested, I can send you a caresheet I've put together. It's full of tips/responses I've collected from various forums: tigergenesis@comcast.net
10 gallon will maybe last until it's 1 year old. My theory is why waste time and money on something that it can't live in it's entire life - start out with a cage big enough for it's lifetime so you don't have to keep upgrading and spending more money. You'll just have to make sure there are plenty of hides for security.
Yes, you need to at least clean and disinfect everything - these are 2 different activities and you need to do both. Sanitizing would be a great last step as well.
Use a UTH for heat - they need belly heat.
If you want to use a light for daytime viewing that's fine, but not required.
Humidity: 50-60% when not in shed. 60-70% when in shed
Temps: warm side = 90 (95 tops), cool side = 80-85.
Temps can drop at night (not required, mine don't), but never go below 75 on the cool side and make sure there is still a temp gradient (difference) of 5-10 degrees between the two sides.
Additional tips:
read every care sheet you can get your hand on
read all posts on this forum
buy the Ball Python Manual book
get your cage completely setup before buying your snake
post pics & temps of your setup for feedback before buying snake
buy captive breed from a reputable breeder best if eating F/T
ask to see it feed before buying
be prepared for possible feeding problems
be prepared to care for this snake for 15-20 years
do your research
Many of the questions you asked are already addressed in posts on this forum so I won't go into much more detail. I don't have a 10 gallon, but rather a 50 gallon for my BP:
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