DIY hood
With the hood looking complete you can now set about making it ready for your tank.
Take the access cutouts that you saved earlier. Measure and cut them into 4 equal blocks.
Inside the hood's corners mark where the top of the tank will be if the bottom of the hood overhangs the waterline by a couple of mm. (If your waterline is 25mm then mark 27-30mm from the bottom of the hood.
Fix the blocks so that they are above these marks exactly as these blocks will be resting on top of the tank. If they are not exact the hood will wobble a little. Secure them with 30mm screws 1 into the side panel and 1 into the front/rear panel. 30mm screws will mean they don't show from the outside.
Once you are happy with this test it on your tank. This hood is ready now for the finishing touches.
If you are having the lighting fixed into the hood then remove the top panel and with a stanley knife or by gently sawing remove a piece that will allow the electrical cord just below the top panel. Fix the top panel on again.
To waterproof the interior of the hood you will need some yacht varnish. Paint the inside only (nothing that is visible from the outside) 3 or 4 coats should do. Allow each coat to dry fully. Once it is dry remove the top panel again (this may take some removing as the yacht varnish will have sealed between the frame and top) and fit your lights. Making sure the cable is in the little cutout you made before varnishing screw the top panel on again. Paint the yacht varnish again just around the join that you just broke to reseal it.
Now to make the hood look good from the outside. Sand the whole of the hood gently and then try to get as much of the dust off as possible. Take a damp cloth and wipe each panel. This will make any small splinters lift up and you can then sand them off. Continue this process until no more splinters lift up. Let the hood dry for an hour or so.
Take some wood dye/stain. Try to get the traditional ones and not the quick drying versions as they tend to dry more evenly and also mean you can wipe up drips.
Take a rag and work with the grain. Put light amounts on and leave for 2 hours, then another light amount and leave to dry for 2 hours. Keep going until you are happy with it. More coats will not hurt and more lighter coating will make the finish more even.
Once you are happy leave the whole unit for 24 hours (more if wanted) to thoroughly dry out and there you have it a complete DIY hood
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