Need Ideas for my 40

I found the tank I would like to replicate here.

He has a closed loop on the system which I really like. I know most may say for a 40 you don't need a CL but I think powerheads get in the way BIG time. On his he drilled the side of the tank for his returns but I do not want to do that as I will have tubing hanging from the side and I want a clean look, no clutter.

If you read through the post, you will see he drilled the bottom for his overflow and put the CL intake right by the drain on the side. He then built an overflow box to hide all that plumbing and to keep sand and other particles away from the intakes. My issue is, what if the main pump turns off but the CL pump stays on? It would then drain the overflow box and run dry. He says he solved that by adding a 5" stand pipe to the system but I never can see where he did this or how. Any ideas there?

Sorry for the long post but here are my options:

1) Use the same method he did with the CL and return but put all the holes in the back of the tank. Not sure I like putting 5 holes in the back of the tank however. Plus I want random flow without looking at 10" of pipe in the tank running down each side.

2) Don't run a sump and just put three holes in the back of the tank for a CL. Then run a HOB skimmer. I don't like this option because I want a sump with the PS and fuge down there to be hidden. Again I am going for a clean, clutterless look.

3) Bag the CL idea and just drill the bottom for the overflow and then the back of the tank with 2 spots for the returns. Then run some powerheads in the DT.

So any ideas here? All answers are much appreciated!