And others say "well I use this instead of dirt" "you dont need (dirt, high basking temps, proper substrate depth, etc)". When you asked about how to keep them properly, were you told to use deep high mineral content sandy dirt? Were you told to use a 4x2x2ft area for adults? Now also were you told by some that you could use screen top cages, smaller spaces, other substrates, etc? You have to consider where the advice comes from, also some will say they are keeping them just fine on whatever, when in reality they have as much experience or knowledge as you, they are proving their own advice wrong at your expense.
There are obvious changes that needed to be made a long time ago, if youve had it for 1 yr with the description you gave so far you needed the changes made 1 yr ago.
My hatchlings are growing so fast, in this short time since hatching they are 8 inches plus and Im seeing physical features and signs of one being male and one being female already.