Help stand issues

[Lampshade]

2x4's are only actually 1.5", so you'd need a bit more of a buildup in there, but you could build a quick frame in the back and attach it to you stand. as long as it's nice and flush at the top it should work fine. if you build it like a door header you will have lots of support and should only cost $20 tops. I assume your tank is 48" long?

[Aquaria]

It's 24 a 20g

[Aquaria]

Remeasured it and it's just under 1.5" so 2x4 should work and when building a header is the support 2x4 between the top and bottom boards or they from the floor to the tank

[Lampshade]

With a header you have 2 2x4's on edge, and fasten them to uprights that are floor to tank. Here's a pic of what i mean: You wouldn't need the cripple or top plate, just the header, jack studs and king studs.




If you only are going to go one wide set it up like this, except with a bottom plate and another support in the center if you can fit it: