Yes, the trough would be much better, you need to fit a solid top (plexiglass would work), then around 12inches of well compacted soil/sand mix, firm enough to hold burrows.
You need to worry about only to temps; the coolest ambient (air) at approx 21 to 24c (72 to 75f), then the surface at the basking area between approx 50 to 60c (120 to 140f), the humidity (obviously it`ll be lower around the basking spot), should be in the 60 to 80% range.
What type of heating/lighting are you using? Low wattage halogen (flood, not spot) bulbs are best?
No, the hatchlings/juveniles are not "communal" for the first few months.

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