- 1). Measure the length and the width of the aquarium light hood with a tape measure or ruler. For example, a common light hood for a 10-gallon aquarium is 12 inches long and 3 inches wide.
- 2). Cut a piece of highly polished 1/16-inch aluminum sheet to the measurement you took with a pair of tin snips or a band saw. A band saw produces the cleanest edges.
- 3). Lightly sand any rough edges of the aluminum with a fine-tooth bastard file
- 4). Scuff the unpolished side of the aluminum with 600-grit sandpaper to give the adhesive something to which it can adhere.
- 5). Remove the incandescent or florescent bulbs to gain access to the gluing surface of the hood. The reflector goes between the inside top of the light and the light bulbs. With the bulbs removed, it becomes easier to glue the reflector to the inside surface of the hood.
- 6). Coat the scuffed surface of the aluminum with a thin layer of epoxy or glue. Coat the entire surface to ensure proper adhesion.
- 7). Place the scuffed side of the aluminum into the hood and press it into place. Press from the center of the aluminum and work your way to the outside edges to squeeze out any excess glue or epoxy. Wipe the excess away with a damp rag. Allow the epoxy or glue at least 24 hours of drying time before utilizing the hood.
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