Most versatile drilling for plumbing

[nycman]

I am having Miracles build me a 72L 25.5W 24H Rimless tank. I am thinking of a center top to bottom overflow with two drains and two returns (4 total holes) drilled inside the overflow. Is this the best, most versatile option - leaving me open for changes to the type of plumbing I may want to use in the future, or should i have more holes drilled (and plugged for now) to support a siphon type set-up. Btw, the location of this does not require that it be quiet, so what I most need is functionality (good water turnover) and safety (prevent tank spill over). I figure the overflow will need about 1800+ gallon turnover per hour. Does this seem about right? Thanks.

[bobbravo2]

Pretty sure bean animal needs 3 returns. 1 full siphon, 1 open drain, and 1 emergency.

[Lsufan]

I wouldn't set up a tank without a bean animal drain setup but it requires 3 holes for the drains. I also like having as long of a overflow box as possible so u get the best surface skimming. I prefer a exterior box but if it's a interior box I like it to go close to the full length of the tank,but not quite coast to coast. I stay 4" to 6" from the ends & that is where I drill for my returns.

I also like to come out the back of the tank instead of the bottom with the plumbing so the overflow box doesn't have to go all the way to the bottom

[mcgyvr]

In case you don't know what a bean animal (be an animal) drain system is.. This also shows a coast/coast overflow..
If you want "best".. This is THE only way to go..
http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx

[ktownhero]

4 holes allows you to do Herbie + 2 returns or Bean Animal + 1 return

5 holes allows you to do Bean Animal + 2 returns

Up to you as for what you want. Bean Animal is obviously the most robust version of an overflow, though I personally think it's overkill and a Herbie is more than sufficient and safe. But if you have the room for it, there's no downside to doing Bean Animal...