helping a stranger.

[Myka]

Welcome to the board!

If you haven't set the tank up yet get it drilled and install a sump! A 125 is rather big to be operated by a hang on skimmer. You're better off selling the hang on skimmer and canister filter and using the money for a sump and a better skimmer. EuroReef, Skimz, Vertex, SWC, Bubble King...all good skimmers at different price points.

Ask at J&L Aquatics about someone who can drill your tank for you and install an overflow. I'm sure they can help you out. Renee is very helpful there. Jeff is usually too busy to help (lol). I'm not sure who else works there these days.

The fish will be fine in the drums provided you do water changes to keep the water from fouling. Just add a heater and powerhead to move the water and they will be fine for several weeks if need be. Get yourself a SeaChem Ammonia Alert badge for each drum. They work really well. Use SeaChem Prime if ammonia shows up. Keep an eye out for fish beating eachother up...best off to separate the fish into calmer ones and feisty ones. You can add PVC elbows and pipe for them to hide in. Or do you have the live rock in there for them? If the rock is in there...even better because it will help greatly to filter the water.