That is one big paragraph not very easy for the eyes to read.
Unplug the heat mat IMMEDIATELY and keep it that way until you receive your thermostat. Does not matter how many holes you will add or how much substrate you will add it will not affect temps, if your T-Stat is not regulated you need to unplug now, it's a burn hazard (if the animal is in the tub) and a fire hazard as well.
The cool side does not need to be above 80 (76/78 is fine)
Humidity just add more holes for ventilation and downsize the water dish if possible.
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