Fruitbat,
I didn't get a hood with the tank... I have a glass cover and built the enclosure to lay on top. Because 26 Bows are not too wide (yes its an All Glass brand tank) I built the enclosure a little taller and less wide.
Its 4.5 inches tall, just under six inches wide by 24 inches long. All outside dimensions. That way I could put the ballast "on top" of the reflector, meaning the reflector is closer to the tank glass cover... in fact the reflector is almost flush to the glass cover. Kim suggested this from AH Supply when I was concerned that a wider enclosure would make it difficult to open the front for feeding and messing around.
I used one by wood (hemlock and pine) which is about a half inch thick. I hope this makes sense. It looks pretty nice. I could take a picture if you want.
Thanks again everyone. Its been fun learning and so many of you guys have really helped me along. This is a great forum. Now I'm planning for an eighty gallon! (Maybe)