The level and type of filtration should be based on stocking density, species kept and maintenance (feeding and cleaning). Generally, the more fish and feeding you do the more filtration you should have. The greater the volume and frequency of water changes the less filtration required. Finding the balance between these is up to the individual hobbyist.
Personally I wouldn't run a tank without a skimmer and a sand bed (on a fish-less system I might pass on the skimmer). I also feel a refugium is beneficial. I've run my tank with and without carbon and feel it is beneficial for my tank. I currently run carbon passively for the benefits already mentioned. I use Penn-Plax Pro-Carb. It's cheap, I can get it locally (Meijer) and the packaging states "pH-Stabe, Phosphate-Free". Be sure to use a brand that doesn't contain phosphates!
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