Advantages of Sumps v. Refugiums

[sailbuminsd]

I am considering building a sump w/ refugium or refugium for my reef tank, to combat nitrate, and I have a few questions about them. But first I'd like to make sure I understand the basic process.

Sump: Sits lower than the tank. Gravity feeds water in, pump feeds water out. Advantage: Can house a refugium and other devices (skimmer, heater, etc.).

Refugium: Sits higher than the tank. Pump feeds water in, Gravity carries it out. Advantage: gravity-return (critters don't get chopped up before entering the tank)

My questions are:
1) Do I have the basics down?
2) If a refugium is in a sump and the water is being returned via pump. Don't the critters still get chopped up? How big of a deal is this?
3) If I add a refugium to my already cycled set-up, am I going to start a new cycle? What effect should I expect?

[pjos11]

I just changed my sump to a more larger one so I could have a refugium. Its below my tank but in the garage which is directly behind.
This was my old one:


http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m269/pjos11/again003.jpg

This is the new:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m269/pjos11/Newsump008.jpg

My water comes into it as follows

Section 1: filter section 5" wide (currently bio balls)
Section 2: Skimmer 9" wide
Section 3:Refugium 22" wide
Section 4 Return pump section

I am still reading about options to put into the Refugium. Miracle Mud,Macro algae :confused:

[sailbuminsd]

I was planning on Miracle mud, algae, and mangroves.

I am leaning towards a sump (similar to yours), but I still want to know what the disadvantages are based on a pump return. A sump would be easier, but I could elevate a refugium, tap a line off my protein skimmer and try to gravity-return the water, as well...hmm...so may choices...