My father is interested in setting up a 75 gallon saltwater tank. He has had a 30 gallon hex tank for over 20 years so he is familiar with keeping fish. One thing he does not do is water changes so that may be a problem. I was thinking a fowlr tank would be the way to go. I want to keep it as simple as possible. First, for looks I would add a thin layer of sugar size sand less than 1/2 inch deep. I plan on using tap water even though I know that algae will be a problem. Next, I plan on adding 40 to 50 lbs. of LR. The LR will be for filtration and decoration. Two powerheads for circulation. The lights are power compacts in a 48" fixture with 260w total. I don't want to use a sump. That means I need a hang on protein skimmer.
If I keep the fish under 3" and lightly stocked will I need a protein skimmer at all? I would prefer not to have to use a protein skimmer if it were possible. The fish would be things like: ocellaris clownfish, flame angel, bangaii, pseudochromis, gobies.