Skimmers, skilters, and UV filters

[aquaman]

Hello,
I have been out of the hobby for 10 years now, and am now just getting ready to restart sometime in late summer.
My Questions are these, Skimmers were big 10 years ago, and I read they still are the norm, what kind are recommended.
Skilters and UV filters were new and too expensive to use then. How important are they and what do they do also what kinds are recommended. I have been reading up for the last month on all the new advances, but have not looked into these much. Also if there are any real good books on them, there jobs, and benefits.
I Know this probably sounds like a newbie question, but I want to start out right, with all the newest and best equipment and. If these means getting stupid look at the pet stores, I am willing to bear it.
Thanks
Bob

 

[deuce_bigalo]

I run a skimmer and a sump (just my wet/dry with bio-balls out)
A lot of people use a combo of a skimmer and a refugium
I dont think many people use the uv sterilizer. pulls out a lot of stuff you want!
I want to get a refugium (it seams to be a good way to go)
what are your plans- Size, lights, ect....

 

[aquaman]

Currently I have a 55 gal fresh water. I wanted to ease myself back into the hobby with something easy, and plan to do the same when I get the salt water setup.
For the Salt I am going to start with yet another 55 gal, and do a community type set up with some easier fish to break back into it. I will keep the fish on the cheap end as so may things have changed after ten years for the better. But I have too much out dated info in my head. I want to put in live rock and a few fish into the 55.
About the same time I am going to start setting up a much larger tank something like a 180 to 300 gal in which I will get a bit more bold in my fish, and have live corals. This tank for financial and acclamation reasons I will take my time in setting up. No fish at first and plenty of time for the corals and live rock & sand to be cured and well adjusted.
I have does a bit of homework on llighting, for the tanks i want and think i have that down.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
By the way what is a refugium
Bob