When I had my chameleons I used to breed Dubias. They are the easiest, cleanest and least smelling roach (IMO). Once the colony gets going you will be amazed at how fast it grows!

I kept mine in a plastic tub also. I never placed anything on the sides, but cut a hole in the lid and replaced with screen. This helped keep the humidity from getting too high. Never used any substrate and just used egg crates for them to hide/breed. They do breed faster when the temps are higher. Mine were in the high 80's and all I used was a cheap old (human) heat pad. (I only placed on the side of the tub without the food. If you feed a lot of veggies they will start to rot fast if the whole tub is heated.)

Water crystals are fine but you can also use oranges for their moisture. Just slice them up and they will be gone the next day. **You can use the water crystals sold at Michaels or any other craft store.
You do need a source of protein other than veggies.
Just be careful with what dog food you use. Too much protein is also bad for them.
Here is a link where I got my original group along with a premixed food.
http://www.blapticadubia.com/dubiainfo.html
The roaches you can get at a lot of places but I really liked his food (as did my roaches!)

Just thought i would add to the first reply. Hope this helps!

Jim