Welcome to the forum and the world of snakes
1. You can choose any age but baby ball pythons are a bit more difficult. They're not always the most established eaters and it can be a drag to change from mice to rats. I personally would always suggest to get a semi-adult or adult since it's easier for beginners. If you want to get a hatchling, then make sure it has eaten at least 5 times on it's own and has shed a few times as well. If you want to feed F/T, then get a snake that already eats F/T.
2. I can't estimate what a 150 gallon tank looks like but I can tell you the rule we use here in Europe (for ball pythons). The tank should be:
2.1. For the length of the terrarium 1x the snake's length
2.2. For the height of the terrarium 0,75x the snake's length
2.3. For the width of the terrarium 1x the snake's length
3. I don't clean everything every week. I'd be out of substrate really quick then. Normally I spot clean when it's needed. I clean the water ball once a week and change the water every 2 to 3 days. I fully clean my terrarium once a month.
4. The substrate I use is cypress mulch. Young ball pythons are often climbers but it depends on the snake. There are adult ball pythons who like climbing as well. You'll what your snake prefers once you have had it for some time.
5. I use a CHE since I found that my ball python seems to dislike the heat pad. It was regulated by a 75$ thermostat which is known to be quite good so I doubt that it was because the heat pad was too hot. I have another LED light bulb which doesn't get warm as well as a dim night light. The CHE is also attached to a thermostat and it's also caged in. It is working the whole day.
6. I don't handle my snake since I feel like it would be for my pleasure not for his. If you do want to handle him, don't do it daily and not more than once a day. Once or twice a week would be okay in my opinion. Ball pythons get stressed very easily. Handling them too often can cause them to become defensive. They could also refuse to eat or hide all the time. Another thing is that you should not handle your snake after it ate. Leave it alone for at least two days.
7. Yes, I would recommend a ball python as a starter snake. But just like with ANY animal you need to do lots of research just like you are doing right now. I personally really like this book (from all the ones I've read): https://www.amazon.com/Python-regius...n+regius+kevin
I hope this was helpful.
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