My first sump and I am confused!

[ontario1]

I am looking into setting up a sump for my 55 gallon aquarium. I was looking online and I found this sort of all in one thing that includes a skimmer. Could anyone let me know if it is any good.
Here is the link:
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/BigAlsCA/...skimmer1000gph
I am totally confused about sumps and that is why I am going to go for the purchased kind rather than the DIY version. What else do I need. I have to buy a skimmer box I think to attach to the back of the tank. Do I need a pump to pump the water back up to the tank or just a hose that connects to the sump and goes into the tank.
I have tried to do some online reading and to be honest, I get confused. I have been reading about refugiums? Do I need one of those? I currently am making the slow transition to reef tank. I am upgrading the sump and lighting before I take on corals. I see pictures of peoples sumps and they have plants growing in them. I don't have a clue why?
Any help that anyone could give to explain this too me in easy terms would be great. I just really need to know everything I have to buy to complete the task. Thanks everyone.

 

[cj7eagle]

I was in the same boat you are in when i was looking into my first sump. For between $50 and $75(if you buy a brand new tank, cheaper if you find a used one) you can make your own sump/fuge for your 55 gallon. I just made one for a friend of mine out of a 20gal (high) tank. If your interested, i have a walkthrough on how i built it on another website. email me... cj7eagle80@hotmail.com