Will a protein skimmer provide enough aeration

[johnny roastbeef]

I'm new to salt, and in the past with my fresh water tanks, I ensured enough aeration through the use of a HOB which dropped the water into the tank, or a sump which also provides a waterfall type effect.

I am setting up a small 36 gal reef with a HOB skimmer, there will be no sump. Will the skimmer introduce enough air into the tank for a few fish and some inverts, or will I have to provide additional aeration using a powerhead.

 

[BIGgourami]

i have had plenty of tanks with just HOBs... this one should be fine

 

[sweeTang21]

skimmers will increase the amount of oxygen in the water, but wont really increase a lot of "surface current" if thats what your looking for. HOB filters are plenty fine for smaller systems. I usually recommend a powerhead as well just to keep the water moving well and prevent dead spots.