protein skimmers is it must????

I have one of those Remora's on my 55 and it's pretty good for the price and size. I gave a little more for mine and since have upgraded to a 400 gph powerhead instead of the 296gph (I think) of the MaxiJet. I would not recomend the upgrade if you plan on having it on the back of your tank because you will get microbubbles out of it. Mine is in the first chamber of my sump so no bubbles get back to the display tank and it works good. http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-sump-refugium-advice-measurement-help-38460-5.html#post353382