Most of you know I'm running the CPR 3.3g Aquafuge. Spec's are: Water Capacity: 3.60 Gallons
Dimensions: 19" L x 4.5" W x 12" T

Here's what I've been thinking of doing....Turning the fuge into a sump only so I can put the skimmer in side of it. Skimmer specs are: 12" X 3" X 3.33 recommended water level is 11"

I can't help but think that the skimmer would be better utilized in this manner. ( It looks horrible in my tank) I'd also be able to change my intake pump to that of a mj900 or less and add a Fluval surface skimmer to that.

My biggest concern? Can/will my tank run successfully without a refugium? Will the LR, skimmer and chemical filtration be enough?