yes you can point it anywhere & get a reading. now personally insted of reading through the glass etc. i prefer to get like within an inch of the set area i want to check. like instead of check the hidespot on the outside I stick it in there or lift it a little. Once you get one you'll understand because you can click it in the exact same direction twice & come up with different temps. i believe it's just better to get up close... your glass could read 80 & your tank could be 84...so if you are going to zap for ambient temp I say either through the screen top or stick your hand in the tank & zap then. only 25 dollars? well dude if the shipping isn't up the butt or you were placing an order anyway dude you can't go wrong.

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