Finally got a reply from AP.
Thank you very much for contacting us regarding our products. All of your comments and questions are valuable. We use your feedback to create the most effective line of aquarium and pond products available.
Sorry for the delay, we are extremely backed up and I have been recently hired to help answer questions so I apologize for the delay. Laurie that is not a stupid question at all. If you do not hold the test tube directly against the white background you will get a reading that is slightly lower and incorrect. For a proper reading you will want to hold it right against the white background. Sorry again for the delay.
If you have any other questions or wish to discuss this further, please email back or give us a call at 1-800-847-0659.
Best Regards,
Nathan Fekula
Technical Service and Research
Mars Fishcare