The tank is supported on all sides, front, and back by 2x4s, and two cross supports across the middle. The only thing is that my tank was like 1.5" longer than the stand, so we knocked out some trim. The chip is on the bottom. I'd say the chip is thickest at 1/6"; between 1/8" and 1/4". That is right at the corner. Then on the front side, it probably is only around 1/16".