New Barrel prep?

[djc]

I'm getting a new 10 gallon charred barrel from the Barrelmill.
Other than filling with water to check for leaks, is there any other barrel prep that I should do?
I'm aging a UJSSM varient.
Am I correct in assuming that 2 years in a 10 gallon barrel would be the equivalent to 4-5 years in a 53 gallon barrel?

Thanks