I c. i tossed out Red Sea skimmer and wanted to get some alternative. I will do the same that you have..
I took out the filter media as well. I wanted to have simple system with mechanical filter sponge and then skimmer and out let.
( i will have two out=let with other pump)..
here's my setting now. just live rock and the light~..
I will put sand from my current set up (93 gallon)..