Lighting Woes - Need Some Input

Ok, so I needed to upgrade my lighting because I'm going to be planting my 15 gallon tank.

I have an AllGlass hood that is actually two pieces - the cover piece itself and the light strip.

My solution for the new lighting was basically using two 20watt CF bulbs in an incandescent hood. So I ordered a hood for a 24" tank (which is what the length of my tank is) and have been waiting for it's arrival.

I got it today. Unfortunately, I'm having some issues. For one, the bulbs do not fit if I leave the little metal reflector things in there. With them in there, the strip ends up resting on the bulbs themselves when I put it on the cover on the tank (I'm assuming this is bad). So I removed the reflectors, and it fits just fine. The issue is...now I don't have the reflector things. How important are these? Do I need to worry about heat issues (bulbs vs. plastic) or with losing too much light? If so, what are my best options.

thanks :grinyes:

there are already slits cut in the top of it. I put my hand over it and it definitely feels hot.

any particular type of paint I should use? Are some better for higher-heat environments?

Also, I just noticed that the bulbs are still just lightly touching the glass cover itself. Is this going to turn into an issue or is this ok?