1. I use an Accurite. I don't know anyone that uses a gun style hydrometer. I don't know that they make them.
2. You should point it wherever you want to know the temperature. Overall, you'll want to make sure that the max temp in your enclosure is ~90F. This should be your basking spot.
I see you have two lamps. Is one a halogen and the other a CHE? If the back lamp holds the CHE, I'm concerned that the hammock is too close to it.
Don't worry about appearances for now. Focus on meeting your heat and humidity targets. Once your confident that you can maintain those, you can start slowly upgrading the furniture to make it look nice.