All needle wheel skimmers will be sensative to fluctuations so an ato is critical for optimal performance. Air injected (venturi/becket/mazzie) skimmers like PM, lifereef & mrc are not sensative to water level fluctuations like needlewheels but they are usually louder and require more powerful pumps than your average needle wheel skimmer. They are very good performers though and your can use practically whatever pump you want (usually sold separately) granted they meet the gph needed for the specific model to perform.
I would recommend an ato either way you decide
Happy reefing
I would recommend an ato either way you decide
Happy reefing