Can a good insump protein skimmer,replace a big filter system(can,wet/dry etc) ?

[miserkris]

Hi
If I get a really good insump protein skimmer,Can I get away without a big filter system below the tank? LR /LS will do Biological filtration. Good Skimmer for removing gunk from the fish.

Here is my FOWLR setup:
I am getting a 55g rectangular tank. Already have 2 HOB filters:
Marineland Penguin 200 BIO-Wheel Power Filter &
Second nature(Tetra) whisper power filter -model 3B .
(Gonna get maybe 45lb LiveRock and L.Sand too)

And I have a standard cheaper 55g tank's wooden stand. So there is room below tank, but would love to have fewer wires/tubes /equipment!
pls advice !!
Thanks
Kris

[leebca]

"No" is the short answer. Your setup should at least include a mechanical filter, biological filter, skimmer, and chemical filter.

None of the above replaces the other. You should look through this post and the links provided in that, to books which will help with these choices: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Identify what role each piece of equipment will play and make sure you have each of the above. HINT: Live Rock can act as part of or the entire biological filter. Learn more about LR and what it does and doesn't do here: What is Live Rock, Anyway?