UPDATE:
So i got the glass , installed it using 3 tubes of silicone. Two for the space in between the glass and rubber, and one for the inside and outside seams.
I also finnished up the stand and gave it a coat of paint. i still need to do a couple of more coats to the tank and stand and do a bit of trim, but this is as far as i am as of today.
To cover the top, i used 6mm glass. four sheets, so i can lift the front half up like a regular glass top. I will need a hinge for them and a couple handles still though.
the pics look rough, but i still have lots of work to do with cleaning it up and painting. The silicone has been setting for two days now, i am going to give it a few more days befor i water test.