Next piece of filtration equipment

go skimmer first. then fuge.
I got a custom hang on fuge just the like sm CPR, it was made by a local guy, got it off craigslist. haven't set it up yet so nothing to report

 

Buy a new stand and get a sump/fuge.... then a sump protein skimmer... it will blow your mind how much better things are.

if its just between the two you mentioned- roll with the skimmer

 

If you can't get a new stand, then I vote skimmer. Do alot of research and find the best HOB that will fit your tank. But if I had it to do over again, I would get a better stand and get a sump.

 

This was my first SW setup, kind of a practice run with 46 gal is you will. When I upgrade to a larger tank down the road I will def install a sump!

 

I started out my last tank all HOB. Eventually I converted to a sump design. If I just went to a sump in the first place, I would have saved a lot of money. Reasons I converted: easier to work with, loud HOB skimmers, potential for leaks in HOB filters, increased water volume, and to hide equipment. There are so many advantages to using sumps, which is why almost everyone here has one. I strongly recommend it.

If that isn't possible for any number of understandable reasons, I would get a skimmer. Deltec, Reef Octo, and Aqua-C all make nice HOB skimmers, although I found the Deltec MC600 quite loud.

I think refugiums need to be quite large to have an impact on your tanks water quality and fish health. In my opinion, none of the 2-4.5 gallon HOB fuges out there would do anything noticeable for a 50 gallon tank.