hoods?

I'm going to be making some hoods for my tanks. It all seems pretty straight forward, but I was wondering if anyone had any little "tweaks" they might add. Like my brother mentioned he would put vent cuts in the top at a 45 degree angle facing away from the front so you would not really notice the cuts very much from the front. Any pics of people hoods would be very welcome.

 

I was actually thinking about putting small mirrors in mine will be made soon cause I have heard people are using tin foil.

 

i'm a prob a few months off making mine yet (at least ), but i really want to put a small shelf or something in it to keep food etc.
really should have just made my stand a bit wider lol.

look forward to hearing some good ideas!

 

Thats a good idea I didnt think of that one.

 

From what I've seen, read, tried etc etc Flat white actually reflects the light better then mirrors/foil.

 

Agreed. Paint it white, not sure about flat white, I would suggest glossy white. vents on the top.....depends on what lighting you plan to keep. If T5s, LEDs or halides, I would suggest actively cooling the lights by use of fans. The vents on top will disipate a little heat, but not nearly as much as some exhaust fans. Most people buy the ones made for aquariums or retro some 120mm computer fans. Obviously make the canopy so it lifts open vs having to take it completely off every time you need to get in.

 

The shelf idea might be interesting if you had room. Flat white has the most reflective power of pretty much anything you can use, trust me on that people here in norcal have tested everything reflective you can think of in full light room applications. I was sorta hoping someone would have something other than the main points, but I guess there really is not too much to hoods when I think about it.