Setting up a refugium will need you to have a tank-in-a-tank type of setup so the flow in and out of the refugium area is slower than the main sump area. There are hang on the back refugium kits you might consider for the refugium instead of doing all the acrylic work yourself. You could however use a plastic shoe box size container to hold mud for the refugium and drop that into your sump. You can drill holes near the top front and back of the container to let water in and out or raise the level of the container just above the water line, and use a small pump to push water into the container, and let it overflow back into the sump. Check out HOB Refugium searches and see what you find. I like to keep it simple otherwise and use a filter sock hangar, and then just a drop in pump for the return. Choose your skimmer that works, and don't get too caught up in the brand name....so many do the job...size and ease of setup/cleaning is key for me. Drop your "quality" heater in, and go. Wish you luck with your new setup! Enjoy the journey!
