DIY stand question - do the rocketengineer measurements include trim?

[Bohemian Waxwing]

My tank is 48x18 (60gal breeder), and I was just going to buy 8ft 2x4s, but realized the trim is about a 1/4" wider than the glass measurements on each side.

Dang! I believe that means the top and bottom lengths need to be 48.5", meaning upping them to 10fters.

Also, did you top yours with plywood? I was going to skin it with thin ply, but when I looked at a sheet of 3/4" I was surprised it would double the cost of the project. Not sure it's worth it then, starting to edge towards the cost of the tubular stands.

 

[Bohemian Waxwing]

Bonus question - what type of screws did you use? I was thinking 3" decking screws since the screws wont be holding much weight.