Thank you all so much for your replies....however, it just has to be said....I am an IDIOT when it comes to the science and DIY parts to all of this. Instead of me trying to make a fuge out of my 400, how bout if I just went into indentured servitude for the rest of my natural life and purchase a HOB refugium and the right protein skimmer? I found a hob refuge on drs foster smith but I'm not sure which one to get as they don't give anything but actual measurements of the item itself....the small and middle size would fit but not the big one. I am "assuming" here that I should go with the largest one I can. As for a protein skimmer, I want to get a reef octopus bh2000. The third thing I want is a RO/DI unit that I found at bulk reef supply.
My question is this: If I invest in these 3 things, can I just do away with the emporer 400? Please dumb down your responses for this completely overwhelmed and brain fried newbie....