mech. filtration needed with good skimmer?

[jtroutine]

Hello all I have a quick question to throw out. I was planning on purchasing a 350 magnum canister for a 55g folr, I am going to run a sump/fuge, now I have been listening to the commments on skimmers of how important they are to the tank and it almost sounds to me from some of the articles I have read that a GOOD skimmer would do the job of mech filtration as well. My overflow box has a media wrapped around the outlet to keep junk out of my sump. I do plan on getting a good skimmer I am thinking about the turbo berlin if anybody is using or has used this skimmer could you give me some comments on what you think. As far as the magnum I was going to get it for the fact of a.) more circulation in tank the ability to chem filter once in awhile and to have some kind of mech filter. Somebodt told me that mech filters arent good because it accumulates the junk and just keeps on polluting your water, they said buy a good skimmer! "?" I will gladely save myself the expense of about a 100 bucks if I can. But if it will benefit my tank I will get it. Thank you to all who took the time to read and comment!!!!!!!
Joe

 

[alti]

i just use my canister for water circulation with no media. just think of it as a big powerhead. i would rather have the canisters tubes in the tank than a bunch of ugly powerheads. do yourself a favor and dont use any media if you get the canister. they are a PITA to open up and clean and you'll soon find yourself procrastinating every time you need to clean it.