Ive got a 24 nanocube with a 175w halide (getting a reeflux 12k monday) My dilemma is making it look good and appealing to the eye over this tank, right now its in a wodden box just resting over the tank. A week ago I gutted a current usa pc fixture and mounted it in there, it looked good, but didnt put out enough light in the fixture, I get more light with it mounted on a piece of wood!!! BTW Im using a compact spider reflector. Any input is helpful, I really hate staring at this wooden box.

Have you ever worked with fiberglass?

google "DIY fiberglass kick pannels" and "DIY fiberglass sub box' and you'll find quite a few how to articles on the subject. Just take the concept used for car audio and apply it to your hood. The fiberglass will allow you to have curves and odd shapes that wood makes almost impossible for most people. It also allows you to be able to sand and paint the surface and have a high gloss finish. Keep in mind, that takes A LOT of time sanding.

It'll handle the heat just fine. Corvettes are made out of fiberglass and their hoods hold up quite alright.

Finally my buddy came off one of a pair of lumenbright mini's, So there ya go, itll look nice over the nanocube. Im going to temporarily run a 1x4 up the back of the stand then fix the lumenbright to the 1x4 with some hinges so when I need to get into the tank I just flip it up and have full access to the tank.. Oh and theres a brand new reeflux 12k on the way in the mail as well. As gay as it sounds im excited this will be my first new bulb ever. Ive always just used whatever bulb came with my halides. Pics to come!!!

fwiw, Corvettes have been made of SMC, or Sheet Molding Compound since the 97 model. Jet skis are made from this too, as it is lighter, and stronger than fiberglass.

But yeah. older vettes, jet skis and many hoods for cars are made of fiberglass. And yeah, it is a pain to work with.