API test kits - do you view from the top or side?

[djryan2000]

I performed a nitrate test and looking from the side it looks about 20ppm but from the top it looks more like the shade for 160ppm. I haven't been regularly testing nitrate since I don't have corals in yet. I tested them to see if my new "œrefugium" will work.

EDIT: I realized that this was a very google-able question and I didn't have to go by what someone on reddit told me. API says the side.

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[HumbleFish]

I know with the API copper test kit you look from the top down. I assume it is the same for all of their test kits. However, I find API to be pretty unreliable. Salifert or ideally Hanna colorimeters are the most accurate.

 

[Sk8r]

When you are calculating color match, set your vial on a white surface and look down into it. [yep, I've done lab work.] When in doubt assume the worse number, is safest. That way you keep chasing better water.