Reef Octopus Needle Wheel Skimmer Question

[ReefJeff]

Hello friends,

I am almost done with my 30 gallon sump for my 50 gallon reef and now it is time to find a good skimmer for around $200.00.

I was looking at this

Amazon.com: Reef Octopus Needle Wheel Skimmer - 4.7 in. - up to 100 gallons: Pet Supplies

I did notice that it only had a 250gph pump. Should I find a skimmer with 500gph or is the 250 just fine?

This is the sump I am working on

Reef Tank D.I.Y. Sump part 1 - YouTube

I do however want to know if instead of putting live rock in the first section, can I put the skimmer there and use the middle section for a refugium and heater? I have all the glass panels cut and the hole drilled and the aquarium safe silicone should be arriving today.

Also, when you talk skimmers and "footprint" are you refering to the dimensions of the skimmer to fit in the sump?

Thanks again everyone for all your help.

Jeff