New owner so any all info is greatly appreciated!

I have a ton of supplies coming today and a 48x20 cage coming this week. I have pretty much everything I need except for food which I’ll pick up when I get my new hammie :)

I have a few questions if anyone could help a girl out:

1) I have a herbs and flowers forage mix from petsmart (see photo of ingredients). As far as I know I think everything is safe for a Syrian but wanted some second opinions. When I put this in the tank do I just sprinkle it on top of the bedding? Or should I mix it in? 

2) What’s your favorite bedding? Preferably any you can buy in bulk? I bought two 75 liter bags of oxbow thinking it was going to be enough but honestly im not so sure. We shall see once it expands 🤞🏻

3) I’ve heard mixed reviews on whether or not Syrians need a sand box. Is it okay to have one or is it more harmful than beneficial? My understanding is it acts more as a dig box for enrichment than it does for actually cleaning their fur. 

4) If a sand box is okay, what is the preferred sand to use? I cannot store large bags of play sand (from the hardware store) so that’s not an option. I know there’s the niteangel sand but I feel like it’s a little pricey for how often I may go through it. Is there a more affordable option? Does any reptile sand without calcium work? 

5) Is it beneficial to have both a sand and a soil dig box? If so, what soils are okay? I have some leftover reptisoil, would that be okay? And what kind of stuff, if any, should I hide in the soil? Treats or anything for enrichment? I’ve heard some people do freeze dried mealworms 

I bought an enclosed cute house sand box and a big glass bowl for the soil dig box. I bought some wood slabs and dowel rods so I can make platforms for them. Since they’re heavier items I don’t wanna risk them falling if the hamster burrows and creates a tunnel underneath. 

Any and all info or help is greatly appreciated! If there’s anything I may be missing let me know! 

sand, soil, and bedding questions! (new owner)