A couple questions
 

I bought an 10 gallon aluminum stock pot from amazon for about 40 bucks shipped.

I filled it to within 2 inches of the top and brought to a boil for 30 minutes.
It has no a bit of discoloration which I know is normal. I have read that you can also put these pots in a oven for a bit of time to add to the oxidation. Can anyone comment on that? Should I not bother?

I just want to make sure I get the pot ready to brew next week when my brew bud is coming to make our first batch.

Is a ten gallon pot overkill for doing 5 gallon batches or will I be happy with the head space?

10 gallon is perfect for 5 gallon full boil!

I routinely use 10 gallon pots for a 5 gallon batch.

Amazon has a 44 quart stainless steel pot from Bayou Classic for $77--with free shipping for prime membership. I use it and love it.

The initial boil should have left a layer of aluminum oxide, a dullish gray color, if you have this no need to put in oven. just be careful when washing in the future, you do not want to scrub this layer off - just use a PBW or Oxiclean solution and a soft rag to clean.

I think you've done more than you needed already. It WILL be a good brew. Just to be safe, you could blast Metallica at it for at least 24 hours.

You don't need any crazy cleaning agents to clean an aluminum kettle. Just light dish soap and a soft rag. No scrubbing... just wiping... EZPZ.

Gary

Pastor, I'm sorry that I don't have any advise for you.
I just wanted to complement you on your awesome forum name.
****in' A.
That's good ****!!
:rockin:

I wash my aluminum pot with warm water. Good enough.