One thing worth mentioning. Is the stress factor. Make sure that your stand has adequate support for yout tank. Lack of even, level support of the stand can lead to a fracture where undue pressure is placed on the tank.
Also, anything can happen. I have a friend who has a quality 180 acrylic...
If you want to cover it with a box I got some white plastic grid drop ceiling sheet for $7 at a local hardware place. I cut it to make a box and used it to sit a skimmer on in my sump but it worked great and I used cable ties to hold it together. I suppose epoxy would do the same. I have a...