125 gallon setup help

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Ok, so I finally upgraded from my 55 gal to a 125 and could use some advice setting it up before I go out and buy the wrong parts...

So I got a really good deal on the 125, got it for $100 and is already drilled for a sump. It has 3 holes 2" diameter. Two of the holes are on the side of the tank to drain and one hole in the back for the return.

I have a homemade diy rubbermaid brute 30gallon sump/wetdry I will probably be using for this setup. I also have the 55gallon I may use for the sump as well... haven't decided yet.

I need to know what size pump to use for this setup, I think overkill would be better than underdoing it and risking flooding. How much flow will the 2" holes give me?

Also, the holes are about 8" down from the top of the tank. There is no internal overflow box for the drain holes, so should I build one or is there a better way?

I built the sump but have not had the chance to run it yet since my other tank didn't have holes and haven't got the overflow yet...

What would be the best way to set the tank up to avoid flooding? Also how much water should I keep in the sump? just enough to keep the pump submersed?

Anything else I should know or any help would be appreciated.

PS, this is going to be a planted tank

 

[nolapete]

Check out Neoprodigy's 600 gallon build. It has a lot of good examples of filtration and plumbing. You'll need bulkhead fittings for those holes (www.aquaticeco.com) and you can use PVC pipe instead of an overflow box. The pipe can be painted with Krylon Fusion paint to match the background color you choose so that they blend in.

If you're going planted, you want to do a closed loop rather than a sump system. You eliminate the possibility of flooding and won't lose CO2 to agitation of the water in the sump.