A "meter"? You mean a test kit? The cheap ones are the strip tests, but they're incredibly inaccurate. I only recommend liquid testers. One of the best ones are "API Master Test Kit", it will test all the 3 major by products and your pH. Betta fish are tropical fish so the range of 76-82 is perfectly fine for them.
Small tanks will limit the fish with their exercise and space. If he's active and looks colorful, he should be fine in the tank. :) Any product that says it will correct or reduce any tank parameter is completely fake. Do not trust these because you're just wasting your money and the fish's health. The less additives the better...
And you aren't being a nuisance at all! No one can learn if they don't ask questions. (;