Lead acid batteries are pretty forgiving. I use a 7ah gell cell for starting only, perferring stand-alone glow drivers and hand crank pumps (KISS). I charge my starter battery with a 1a manual trickle charger available at any auto parts store for about $10.
The most important thing you can do with a lead acid battery is keep it well charged. They do not self-discharge quickly like NiCd, but if discharged, they become self-destructive. The positive plate becomes permanantely damaged. Basically, don't allow the voltage to fall below 12.0 without recharging it. Lead acid batteries are far more tolerant of overcharging than they are of being left discharged.
Over the winter, even, I plug mine in for a few hours every month or 2 to keep it happy.
Folks who don't heed this are the ones you see at every flying field, with constantly dead starter batteries. I know you know who I'm talking about
J