You are on the right track yes the tank temps need to come up some take a look at the caresheet some real good info there. As for the substrate I use Eco Earth and have not had an issue with it I use 2 buckets to rewet the bricks. I add water and rewet in one bucket then wring all the water out that I can and add to the second bucket this leaves the Eco Earth damp but not wet. I also covered 3 sides of my encolsures with Aquraium background for viewing pleasure then added cardboard with foiltape on one side to replect heat in. I use Flexwatt taped to the bottom of my tanks on a T-stat, I use the Vivarium 300 from reptile basics, and set the T-stat until I ge the desired temps on my substrate. Usuallt about 98 at the T-stat gives me 95 on the glass and 92 at the substrate. I also use a CHE 75W for my 20longs and 150W for my 40 Breeder (similar to your tank). Then I cover the tanks with a peice of plexi glass cut to fit with holes drilled in it for ventilation and the CHE. Here are a few picks hope this helps and feel free to ask if you have any other questions.
The plexi cover I made
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